The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, stated that the effects of climate change have worsened air quality, exacerbating both infectious and non-communicable diseases, as well as malnutrition and food insecurity.

Pate made this statement on Thursday at the 2024 Future of Health Conference organised by Nigeria Health Watch, themed ?From Evidence to Action: Building Resilience at the Climate-Health Nexus.?

He emphasised that the climate and health challenge is not just a concern for the future, but a reality today, as the impact is already being felt across the world and in Nigeria.

?This year, Nigeria has faced significant climate-related disruptions, including widespread flooding and droughts in various regions. These environmental shifts have led to a sharp increase in climate-sensitive diseases.

?In December, during a visit to Kano, community leaders expressed concern about the emergence of malaria cases at a time of year when it is usually not prevalent. We are also witnessing the emergence of new vectors, such as dengue in Sokoto and yellow fever in other regions.

?Additionally, cholera outbreaks linked to contaminated water sources and other enteric diseases are becoming more frequent.

?The effects of climate change are not confined to infectious diseases. Air quality has worsened, exacerbating both infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases, such as respiratory issues and cardiovascular conditions, which now represent the fastest-growing health burden in Nigeria. The adverse effects on food systems, leading to malnutrition and food insecurity, are also major concerns,? he said.

The minister noted the need for a robust health system to address the challenges posed by climate change.

According to him, ?Governance, policy, and multisectoral collaboration are critical. Improving health outcomes must begin with a strong emphasis on primary health care, which serves as the foundation for resilience against climate-related and other health threats. We are working to revamp our health workforce, ensuring that they are available and prepared to detect and respond to emerging diseases.

?There is also an economic dimension to our response. We are looking for ways to create economic value while addressing climate challenges. Solarisation of healthcare facilities, including primary health centres and teaching hospitals, is one such approach. This will ensure that our health infrastructure is better equipped to meet the energy demands brought on by climate change.?

In her opening address, the Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, Vivianne Ihekweazu, stated that the impacts of climate change are now felt in every corner of life and in the systems designed to protect people?s health.

Ihekweazu maintained that climate change is now a major determinant of health.

She underscored the importance of a multisectoral approach, involving diverse stakeholders, and the need to include young voices in climate change policies.

?At Nigeria Health Watch, we recognise the immense challenge of addressing health impacts linked to climate change. We believe that resilience is not built in isolation; it requires a multisectoral approach, bringing together diverse stakeholders,? she said.

The Global Programme Lead for Climate and Health at the World Bank, Dr Tamer Rabie, commended Nigeria for taking strong steps towards a climate-resilient health system.

Rabie said, ?Nigeria is leading the way by example. You?re putting in the evidence, developing policy through a national health adaptation plan, bringing in investments, scaling up action, and developing a programme focused on strengthening primary health care, ensuring quality in service delivery designs, and working closely with many different stakeholders, including the private sector.

?We?re at the very beginning of this journey, but I am extremely hopeful and optimistic that we?re moving in the right direction to reach those who are most vulnerable in Nigeria, ensuring that we do not witness a life lost due to the climate crisis.?

Rabie emphasised the importance of capacity building for policymakers and healthcare workers to address climate-related health challenges.

?I think there are different ways of dealing with this. One way is by learning from other countries? experiences. The work that the World Bank has done in establishing climate-smart health systems collaborative through the Joint Learning Network, in which Nigeria is very much involved, exemplifies this.

?It brings together countries to share experiences and lessons. This does not mean Nigeria is solely there to learn from others; rather, Nigeria will be able to contribute its own experiences and lessons to other countries that can also benefit from them.

?Another way of strengthening capacity is by providing direct and targeted technical assistance to the Federal Ministry of Health or even to actors at the state level. This is about ensuring all parts of government work together efficiently to deliver on their goals,? he noted. (The PUNCH)

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