Nigeria’s health system, already under strain from existing challenges, is facing mounting pressures due to the worsening effects of climate change. Creating new health vulnerabilities, severe weather incidents, escalating global heat, and shifting disease patterns are recognised as significant concerns by experts and international organizations. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that without immediate action, these climate-related issues could severely hinder the nation’s progress in improving public health. Addressing this crisis requires comprehensive strategies to build resilience and mitigate its impacts.
According to WHO, climate-related factors are expected to account for 21% of Nigeria’s disease burden, a figure that is expected to increase unless significant measures are taken. Projections also indicate that Rising sea levels could displace as many as 53 million people, with urban centres like Lagos and Abuja experiencing deteriorating air quality and escalating heat-related health issues. Contaminated water sources caused by floods and droughts are also leading to outbreaks of diseases such as Cholera and typhoid. These challenges disproportionately affect the most vulnerable groups, including those living in Poverty and informal settlements, further highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Experts highlight health risks from climate impacts.
Dr. Walter Mulombo, WHO’s representative in Nigeria, has emphasised how Climate Change undermines critical factors essential for health, such as access to clean air, safe drinking water, and adequate shelter. He expressed concern that these environmental changes could erode decades of progress in public health, leaving the population increasingly susceptible to illnesses. Similarly, as reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), changing climate conditions are projected to increase the spread of vector-borne diseases like Malaria and dengue fever, posing significant risks to human health, especially in Africa.
Beyond the spread of diseases, climate change has compounded risks for specific groups, particularly women and children. Vivianne Ihekweazu, Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, has highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by pregnant women, who are increasingly exposed to heat stress and dehydration in facilities ill-equipped to handle climate-related challenges. She also called on young people to take an active role in addressing the climate-health nexus, emphasising that they will bear the long-term consequences of inaction. To ensure the continuity of essential services like maternal care and vaccine storage, Vivianne Ihekweazu advocates for climate-resilient health infrastructure, such as hospitals powered by renewable energy
Federal government launches climate health report to tackle challenges.
The Nigerian government has started taking steps to address these challenges, although much more remains to be done. At the 2021 COP26 summit, the government pledged to develop a climate-resilient health system. This commitment was recently reinforced with the launch of the Climate Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment Report, which aims to identify climate-related health risks and create strategies to address them. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate described the report as an essential move toward developing a resilient healthcare system capable of enduring the impacts of climate change.
While the government has taken initial steps, experts have called for broader Investment in sustainable and adaptive measures to combat the crisis. Dr. Edwin Ede, the national technical officer for Public Health and Environment at WHO Nigeria, has advocated for a transition to cleaner energy sources, emphasising the importance of reducing reliance on firewood and charcoal. He also underscored the need for policies that tackle Deforestation and promote Renewable Energy solutions. Dr. Ede highlighted that inaction comes with steep costs, urging the government to incentivise communities to adopt more sustainable practices and address the root causes of climate-related health issues.
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Ultimately, the interplay between climate change and public health presents a formidable challenge for Nigeria. A combination of proactive policies, sustainable infrastructure, and community-driven adaptation strategies is essential to mitigate the crisis. Failure to act decisively risks exacerbating health inequalities and reversing years of progress in the country’s healthcare system. With timely and collaborative efforts, Nigeria can build a resilient health system capable of protecting its people from the growing threats posed by climate change.