The Federal Government has called for local solutions and enhanced partnerships to combat the growing impact of climate change on health in Nigeria.
This was emphasized by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, during the 10th Future of Health Conference in Abuja on Thursday.
At the event themed “From Evidence to Action: Building Resilience in the Climate and Health Nexus,” Pate highlighted how climate change is already threatening Nigeria’s health systems, exacerbating issues such as flooding, droughts, food shortages, and the resurgence of infectious diseases like malaria and yellow fever. “The future is here. Climate change is affecting our health today, and it will continue to do so. This is not just a health issue; it’s a survival issue for our country,” Pate stated.
While noting that climate change is a global problem, the minister stressed the need for localized solutions tailored to Nigeria’s specific challenges. He applauded President Bola Tinubu’s Health Sector Renewal Agenda, which aims to strengthen healthcare, invest in primary healthcare, and improve health security across the country.
Pate also highlighted the government’s quick response to flooding in Borno State, where coordinated efforts with partners like the World Bank provided vaccines, clean water, and emergency healthcare to prevent the spread of cholera. He emphasized the importance of partnerships between the government, private sector, civil society, and global organizations in tackling the health challenges posed by climate change.
Dr. Tamer Samah Rabie, Global Programme Lead for Climate and Health at the World Bank, commended Nigeria’s progress toward a climate-resilient health system, noting that the country is setting an example by developing policies and securing investments.
Other speakers at the conference, including Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment in the FCT, addressed the intersection of climate change, public health, and food security. Fasawe highlighted the need for legislative action to regulate harmful emissions and urged the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices to mitigate the effects of climate change on food production and health.
The conference underscored the urgency of turning climate awareness into actionable policies, with a collective call for stronger partnerships and local involvement in addressing the health impacts of climate change.
