Experts have called for immediate and coordinated action to address the growing impact of climate change on health in Nigeria.
Speaking during a pre-Future of Health Conference webinar on Thursday, organised by Nigeria Health Watch, leaders from health, government, and international organisations highlighted the urgent need for collaboration to protect vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.
Climate change is significantly affecting public health in Nigeria, where its effects are increasingly evident. This issue is not just about health but also social justice, as the most vulnerable are disproportionately impacted.
One major area of concern is the decline in air quality. Rising temperatures increase the formation of ozone, which leads to respiratory problems. Heatwaves, growing in frequency and intensity due to climate change, often result in heat-related illnesses and even death.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) projects that climate change will cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths yearly between 2030 and 2050, mostly from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress.
The panel emphasised the need for Nigeria’s health systems to adapt to these challenges, offering solutions such as decarbonising healthcare, improving governance and developing early warning systems for climate-sensitive diseases.
Senior health specialist at the World Bank, Dr. Olumide Okunola stressed the importance of collaboration in mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Senior health adviser at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Dr. Dave McConalogue warned that by 2040, one in four children would face high-water stress, which would strain Nigeria’s health infrastructure.
Dr. Edwin Edeh from WHO Nigeria highlighted the human toll of climate change, advocating for green procurement and decarbonisation in the health sector.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Mr. Godwin Brooks provided insights into Nigeria’s vulnerability assessment, a critical tool for climate adaptation planning.
Health specialist at the World Bank, Ms. Jessica Flannery emphasised leadership and governance in building resilient health systems.
Managing director of Nigeria Health Watch, Mrs. Vivianne Ihekweazu explained the role of partnerships in tackling the climate-health crisis. She encouraged participation in the upcoming Future of Health Conference to deepen discussions on climate-resilient health strategies.
The 2024 Future of Health Conference, themed “From Evidence to Action: Building Resilience at the Climate-Health Nexus,” is scheduled for October 24. It aims to provide a platform for interdisciplinary knowledge exchange and collaboration among stakeholders addressing the intersection of climate change and health.
