There are fears that Nigerians may experience more diseases and therefore increase reports of diseases in the coming years. This warning is contained in a recent report as hinted by Dr. Mohammad Pate, the coordinating minister of health and social welfare.
The increase in health burden, according to the report, is projected at 21 percent due to the intensifying effects of climate change.
The report, titled National Vulnerability and Adaptation (V&A) Assessment, was unveiled by the World Health Organization (WHO) during the Health Sector-Wide Joint Annual Review (JAR 2024) over the weekend in Abuja.
The report, which is Nigeria’s first-ever Climate Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment Report (VA), highlights the critical need for robust healthcare systems to tackle the growing climate-related risks.
It warns that the risks and impact of climate change on the health sector are projected to worsen in terms of severity, duration and magnitude across all geographic areas of Nigeria.
The report also noted that these increased risks will create a situation that will impact healthcare capacity, increase the vulnerability of communities and create conditions more conducive to disease growth.
Those are not the only concerns that the report sees ahead. It also said that the increase rainfall likely to be occasioned by climate change may put an additional 800,000 people at risk of flooding by 2030.
WHO’s Head of Mission and Country Representative for Nigeria, Dr Walter Mulombo, during the JAR 2024 disclosed that climate change is the greatest health threat of the 21st century.
“The report projects that climate factors could soon account for up to 21 percent of Nigeria’s disease burden, underscoring the urgency of transformative action.
“Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifting disease patterns are already straining health systems, livelihoods, and well-being, especially among vulnerable populations. Together, we can protect Nigerians from the risks of a changing climate by building a health system that prioritizes resilience,” he added.
Speaking on the report, Dr. Pate stated that it provides essential insights into the impacts of climate change on health across Nigeria. The minister who posted on his X platform, stated that by identifying climate-related health risks, the report supports the creation of a resilient health system capable of addressing the challenges posed by a changing environment.
“The V&A Report provides essential insights into the impacts of climate change on health across Nigeria. By identifying climate-related health risks, the Report supports the creation of a resilient health system capable of addressing the challenges posed by a changing environment, underscoring our commitment to sustainable health security and the well-being of Nigerians,” the post said.
