Health/Lifestyle

Climate change worsening air pollution and health risks in Nigeria – Minister Ali Pate

On Thursday, October 24, at the Future of Health Conference, Nigeria’s Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammad Pate, shared alarming news about the impact of climate change on public health. He explained that climate change is making air quality worse and increasing the risk of diseases in Nigeria.

The conference, organized by Nigeria Health Watch, focused on solutions to health challenges and promoting policy changes to ensure that all Nigerians can access quality healthcare. This year’s theme was “From Evidence to Action: Building Resilience at the Climate—Health Nexus.”

Mr. Pate highlighted that climate change is also contributing to the spread of infectious diseases like malaria and cholera. “This year, Nigeria has faced significant climate-related disruptions, including widespread flooding and droughts,” he said. These changes have led to a sharp rise in diseases that are sensitive to climate conditions.

He mentioned that community leaders in Kano recently reported unusual malaria cases during times when the disease typically isn’t prevalent. There have also been new concerns about diseases like dengue and yellow fever. Moreover, cholera outbreaks linked to contaminated water are becoming more common.

In 2022, Nigeria experienced severe flooding that displaced over 2 million people, a situation that has continued to worsen, increasing the risks of diseases like malaria and cholera. Drought in northern regions is reducing farmland and worsening food shortages, while rising temperatures pose further health risks.

Research shows that climate change has direct consequences for health, contributing to issues like respiratory disorders, high blood pressure, and other serious conditions. Children, pregnant women, older adults, and those in poverty are particularly vulnerable.

To combat these challenges, Mr. Pate emphasized the need for a strong health system and effective policies. “Improving health outcomes must begin with a strong emphasis on primary health care,” he said. He also stressed the importance of preparing the health workforce to respond to emerging diseases and ensuring that health infrastructure can meet the increased energy demands caused by climate change.

Vivianne Ihekweazu, Managing Director of Nigeria Health, echoed these sentiments, calling for collaboration between civil society organizations (CSOs) and government to protect citizens and improve health outcomes. “Resilience is not built in isolation—it requires a multisectoral approach,” she stated.

She added that CSOs play a crucial role in amplifying community voices and ensuring interventions are inclusive and sustainable. “Robust evidence is at the heart of every effective intervention. We must use research evidence to support our advocacy,” she concluded.

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