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Nigeria Introduces New Climate Change Health Policy – EnviroNews

“Developing a Policy to Combat Climate Change Impact on Healthcare in Nigeria: Stakeholders Take Action in Abuja”

The Federal Government of Nigeria, along with stakeholders in Abuja, came together on Saturday, July 20, 2024, to develop a policy document aimed at mitigating the impact of climate change on healthcare delivery in the country. The initiative was led by Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare.

During a two-day National Stakeholders Validation Workshop on Nigeria’s Climate Change Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment report, Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, the Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, highlighted the increasing challenges posed by climate change on public health in Nigeria. He pointed out that the country has experienced a surge in flooding, leading to health complications such as cholera outbreaks and increased malaria burden due to warmer breeding conditions for disease vectors like mosquitoes.

Furthermore, Anyaike noted that the flooding has also created more breeding sites for lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, with a high burden of the disease observed in 583 out of the 774 Local Government Areas visited. The director emphasized that the impact of climate change on health is multifaceted, affecting not only disease prevalence but also causing property damage and posing risks of drowning during floods.

In response to these challenges, stakeholders at the workshop aimed to develop an implementable policy document that addresses the health issues exacerbated by climate change. Dr. Walter Mulombo, the Country Representative to Nigeria from the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighted the vulnerability of the health sector to climate change impacts, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address climate-related health emergencies.

The workshop also involved input from Dr. Edwin Edeh, National Technical Officer for Public Health and Environment at WHO, who stressed the importance of identifying challenges and gaps in the health sector’s response to climate crises. The assessment conducted with partners aimed to prioritize interventions that can effectively address climate-related health issues and ensure adequate financing for climate resilience in the healthcare system.

Mr. Rob Wood, Managing Director of International LTD Consultant Halcyon, shared insights into the comprehensive assessment conducted across all six political zones in Nigeria. The data collected from over 300 stakeholders informed the development of the vulnerability and adaptation assessment report, which is set to be launched in the coming weeks.

Overall, the collaborative efforts of the Federal Government, stakeholders, and international partners underscore the importance of addressing the intersection of climate change and public health to safeguard the well-being of Nigerians and build a resilient healthcare system for the future.

By Franca Ofili

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