Nigeria Calls For Local Solutions, Partnerships To Combat Climate Change’s Impact On Health

Abuja, Nigeria –  The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued an urgent call for localised solutions and strengthened partnerships to address the growing health threats posed by climate change.

This call came from the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, during the 10th Future of Health Conference in Abuja.

The conference, themed “From Evidence to Action: Building Resilience in the Climate and Health Nexus,” highlighted the alarming reality of climate change’s impact on Nigeria.

Pate underscored that the nation is already experiencing the effects of flooding, droughts, and the resurgence of diseases like malaria and yellow fever, alongside food shortages caused by weather-related disruptions to agriculture.

“The future is here,” declared Pate. “Climate change is already affecting our health today, and it will continue to do so in the future. This is not just a health issue; it is a matter of survival for our country.”

While acknowledging the global nature of climate change, Pate emphasized the need for solutions tailored to Nigeria’s unique circumstances.

He praised the current administration’s Health Sector Renewal Agenda, focusing on improving healthcare access, investing in primary healthcare, strengthening health workers, and ensuring national health security.

Pate specifically lauded the government’s swift response to the recent floods in Borno State, collaborating with partners like the World Bank to provide emergency healthcare, vaccines, and clean water to combat cholera outbreaks. This, he stated, exemplifies the importance of collaborative efforts.

The minister further delved into the impact of climate change on Nigeria’s food systems, leading to food shortages due to flooding.

He stressed the importance of forging stronger partnerships between the government, private sector, civil society, and international organizations to address these challenges.

Pate expressed gratitude for the World Bank’s support in strengthening the health sector, highlighting the need for continued collaboration.

“The World Bank’s support, along with help from the UK, USA, and other partners, is crucial in building a stronger health sector. We are making real progress, and this broad approach is the way forward,” he added.

Pate also underscored the inherent injustice of climate change, noting that communities most impacted by its effects, such as those displaced by floods or facing hunger, are often the least responsible for its causes.

He called upon global partners to recognize this disparity and allocate more resources to support those affected.

“If we truly want to solve climate change, we must see it as a justice issue. The people suffering from droughts and floods did not cause this crisis, yet they are the ones paying the price,” Pate asserted.

He emphasised the need for increased awareness at the local level, particularly in rural areas, to educate communities about the impact of climate change on their lives and empower them to participate in finding solutions.

“We need to involve our people so they can help us respond to this challenge. Only then can we build true resilience in our health sector,” Pate concluded.

The Future of Health Conference provided a platform for global and national leaders to discuss strategies for improving health outcomes in the face of climate change.

Vivianne Ihekweazu, Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, underscored the urgency of this year’s event, emphasising the need to translate climate awareness into concrete policy changes.

Dr Tamer Samah Rabie, Global Programme Lead for Climate and Health at the World Bank, praised Nigeria’s commitment to developing a climate-resilient health system.

“Nigeria is setting an example by putting evidence into action, developing policies, and securing investments. Although there is still a long way to go, I am confident that Nigeria is on the right path,” he stated.

Dr Dolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment in the Federal Capital Territory, also highlighted the crucial connection between climate change, public health, and food security.

She underscored the negative impacts of air pollution, poor food production, and environmental neglect on the health of Nigerians.

Dr Fasawe emphasised the need for legislative action to regulate harmful vehicle emissions and address the increasing food insecurity caused by climate change.

“Do we have plenty when food prices are going up every day?” she asked.

The conference underscored the critical need for local action and international cooperation in the fight against climate change, recognising that Nigeria’s health and future depend on the success of these efforts.