FG Calls for Local Solutions, Better Partnerships to Curb Militating Effect of Climate on Health

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has called for local solutions and better partnerships to tackle the growing effects of climate change on health in the country

The call was made on Thursday by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate at the 10th Future of Health Conference in Abuja.

The minister noted that climate change is already affecting Nigeria and requires urgent action.

At the event themed “From Evidence to Action: Building Resilience in the Climate and Health Nexus,” Pate outlined major challenges Nigeria is facing to include political and economic problems, rapid urban growth, population increase, and the return of infectious diseases.

He however said none of these challenges compare to the threat of climate change, noting that the country has already seen impacts of flooding, droughts, cases of diseases like malaria and yellow fever, and food shortages caused by bad weather affecting farms.

Page said: “The future is here. 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.”

The minister said while climate change is a worldwide problem, the solutions must fit Nigeria’s specific situation.

He applauded the efforts made by President Bola Tinubu’s government, especially through the Health Sector Renewal Agenda, noting that this agenda focuses on improving healthcare for everyone, investing in primary healthcare, strengthening health workers, and ensuring the country’s health security.

Pate also mentioned the government’s quick action during the flooding in Borno State, where they worked with partners like the World Bank to improve healthcare and respond to emergencies.

He noted that the government provided vaccines and clean water to prevent the spread of cholera, showing the importance of such coordinated efforts.

The minister further explained how climate change is affecting Nigeria’s food systems, causing food shortages due to flooding.

He however called for more partnerships between the government, private sector, civil society, and global organizations to solve these problems. Pate especially thanked the World Bank for its support in strengthening Nigeria’s health sector, saying that global and national efforts must continue to work together.

“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 talked about how the communities most affected by climate change, like those displaced by floods or facing hunger, are often the least responsible for causing it.

He urged global partners to recognize this and provide more resources to help 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 said.

He called for more awareness at the local level, especially in rural areas, so communities understand how climate change affects their lives and can help find 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,” he concluded.

On his part, the Global Programme Lead for Climate and Health at the World Bank, Dr. Tamer Samah Rabie, who also spoke at the conference, commended Nigeria for making strong steps toward a climate-resilient health system.

Rabie pointed out that Nigeria is leading by example, developing policies and making investments to strengthen the health sector.

He said: “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.”

The Future of Health Conference brings together global and national leaders to discuss how to improve health in the face of climate change.

Vivianne Ihekweazu, Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, emphasized the importance of this year’s event, noting that commitments made today show the urgency of solving climate-related health challenges. She stressed the need for strong actions to turn climate awareness into policy changes.

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

She highlighted how air pollution, poor food production, and lack of environmental care are all affecting the health of Nigerians.

Dr. Fasawe mentioned how air pollution led to the death of a child in the UK, pointing out that similar dangers exist in Nigeria, where vehicles releasing harmful gases are not being regulated. He called for legislative action to address these environmental health issues.

She also stressed that Nigeria’s agriculture is suffering due to climate change, leading to rising food prices and a lack of access to affordable food. “Do we really have plenty when food prices are going up every day?” Dr. Fasawe asked.

Dr. Fasawe called for the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices and investment in research to help communities better cope with climate change. He also invited Nigeria Health Watch to work with the FCT Secretariat in their medical outreach program, stressing the importance of nutrition education as part of healthcare.

FG Calls for Local Solutions, Better Partnerships to Curb Militating Effect of Climate on Health