The Nigerian government has said it is taking proactive measures to protect its citizens from health risks related to climate change, as the global climate crisis continues to put pressure on health systems.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, made this commitment during the launch of Nigeria's first Climate Health Adaptation and Vulnerability Assessment Report.
The report was launched at the end of the three-day inaugural edition of Nigeria's Health, in Abuja on Friday.
In a post on his username X, Pate, a professor, said the report provides essential information on the health impacts of climate change in Nigeria.
He said that by identifying climate-related health risks, the report supports the creation of a resilient health system capable of addressing the challenges posed by a changing environment.
Pate noted that this initiative underscores the commitment of the current administration to sustainable health security and well-being of Nigerians.
Climate change, health.
In 2022, Nigeria experienced the worst flooding in more than a decade, with more than two million people displaced as a harsh consequence of climate change.
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Since then, the country suffers from annual floods that displace thousands of people and increase the risk of malaria and cholera outbreaks.
In northern Nigeria, drought and desertification are reducing arable land and worsening food insecurity, while intensifying heat waves increase health risks and energy demand.
Studies have linked climate change to health problems such as cerebrospinal meningitis, cardiovascular and respiratory disorders, skin cancer, malaria, high blood pressure and increased morbidity.
The groups most vulnerable to these climate-related health risks include children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with chronic illnesses and disabilities, and those living in extreme poverty.
Safeguarding health
In his remarks, WHO Representative in Nigeria, Walter Mulombo, said the report is a crucial milestone in Nigeria's efforts to safeguard health in the face of climate change.
Mulombo said climate change was recognized as the most important threat to global health in the 21st century at the 77th World Health Assembly.
“It threatens the essential ingredients of good health – clean air, clean water, nutritious food supplies and safe shelter – and has the potential to undermine decades of progress in the health system,” he said.
“The 2024 Climate Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment Report is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to addressing the health impacts of climate change.”
Annual review
The Joint Annual Review (JAR) with the theme: “It's for all of us: Accelerating our health sector reforms together” brought together stakeholders to assess and coordinate health sector reform efforts. health.
Pate said the importance of the JAR cannot be underestimated.
“More than a review process, the JAR is a testament to our commitment to building a health system that is transparent, accountable, responsive and resilient,” he said.
“By launching this review, we have laid the foundation for continuous improvement and adaptation.”
The minister said a key outcome of the review is the establishment of a center dedicated to strengthening the country's health data systems.
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He said the group will implement regular mini health surveys, closing the current five-year gap in National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) data collection.
He noted that through timely and reliable data, the group will empower the government to track progress, address emerging health threats and make informed, data-driven decisions essential to the success of the sector.