A recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that Nigeria’s health systems may face serious challenges due to climate change, which could lead to a troubling increase in the nation’s disease burden by as much as 21%. Unveiled at the Health Sector-Wide Joint Annual Review (JAR 2024) that took place in Abuja, the National Vulnerability and Adaptation (V&A) Assessment highlights how climate factors pose increasing threats to Nigeria’s health, especially for vulnerable populations. The report highlights an immediate requirement for proactive strategies to safeguard the country against health emergencies caused by climate change.
This is Nigeria’s first comprehensive Climate Health Vulnerability and Adaptation assessment. According to Dr. Walter Mulombo, WHO’s Head of Mission and Country Representative in Nigeria, Climate Change is regarded as the greatest health threat of the 21st century, with mounting evidence suggesting a direct correlation between climate impacts and rising health risks. Mulombo noted that the concerning forecast indicating that climate-related issues may account for 21% of Nigeria’s health challenges in the coming years highlights the critical necessity for significant change.
Temperature, weather conditions, and disease-carrying agents will increase.
With climate changes affecting temperature, weather conditions, and disease carrying agents, Nigeria’s healthcare system will encounter increasing pressures and novel adversities to its durability. The analysis forecasts a rise in diseases affected by climate, particularly highlighting an uptick in illnesses transmitted through water and NTDs such as Buruli ulcer, trypanosomiasis and Guinea worm disease. Alterations induced by climate, such as intensified weather phenomena and rising temperatures, are anticipated to exacerbate these health issues, greatly increasing Nigeria’s vulnerability.
Furthermore, the mortality rate from childhood diarrhea associated with climatic influences might escalate to about 9.8% of all diarrhea-related deaths in children below five years old. By the year 2030, an increase in cardiovascular diseases along with non-communicable conditions like Diabetes and Hypertension is expected. The effects of climate change on mental well-being and respiratory illnesses are becoming increasingly worrying. The findings suggest that there will be an uptick in neurological issues and rates of self-harm, with Mental Health diagnoses predicted to escalate from 2.6 million in 2020 to more than 3.1 million by 2030.
Many of the Nigerian states are susceptible to the challenge.
In Nigeria, Tuberculosis cases, which are already substantial, might rise from 41,000 to 52,000. Diseases transmitted by vectors, like Malaria and yellow fever, are expected to rise in frequency as climate changes create more suitable environmental conditions. The report also highlights regions in Nigeria that are particularly susceptible to climate change, such as Kebbi, Kaduna, Taraba, Jigawa, Zamfara, Kwara, Bauchi, Katsina, and Yobe. Other locations include Niger, Imo, Cross River, and Abia. Projections indicate that by 2050, temperatures in Nigeria may increase by 1.0 to 1.1°C, with extreme cases potentially hitting 3.0°C, which could lead to a twofold increase in deaths attributed to heat by 2080.
By the year 2030, it is expected that an additional 800,000 individuals will be vulnerable to flooding due to rising rainfall. In light of these alarming forecasts, Dr. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, affirmed his dedication to enhancing the healthcare framework in Nigeria. The report highlights climate-associated health threats, aiding in the establishment of a robust health system that can tackle the difficulties arising from a shifting environment. He emphasised the need to invest in sustainable healthcare systems to protect Nigeria’s Public Health and enhance resilience against climate challenges.
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Dr. Mulombo emphasised the continuous partnership between the WHO and health officials in Nigeria, noting that the organization was instrumental in the country’s inaugural signing of a Health Sector Commitment to create a Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Health System in 2021. This commitment, which aligns with the Paris Agreement and the COP26 Health Programme, laid the groundwork for formulating strong health policies that can endure climate-related challenges. Although some African nations have progressed in enhancing healthcare systems and lowering Child Mortality rates, Nigeria continues to struggle with significant malaria prevalence and inadequate vaccination rates, making it more vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The WHO emphasises the importance of Nigeria developing a health Infrastructure that can withstand climate challenges.