The Federal Government, alongside key stakeholders, unveiled a climate change on healthcare policy document in a move to address the growing impact of climate change on healthcare delivery in Nigeria. This initiative was announced during a two-day National Stakeholders Validation Workshop, focusing on Nigeria’s Climate Change Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment report in Abuja on Saturday. Dr.
Chukwuma Anyaike, Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, highlighted the urgency of the policy in light of the increasing health complications resulting from climate-related events such as flooding. Related Stories He noted that flooding had led to a surge in cases of cholera and the expansion of mosquito-breeding zones, exacerbating the prevalence of malaria in regions previously unaffected. “Flooding has significantly increased the breeding sites for lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis,” Anyaike stated.
“Out of the 774 local government areas assessed, 583 are heavily burdened by this disease. Moreover, floods have devastated farmlands and properties, with 40% of flood-related health complications arising from drowning.” Anyaike emphasized the critical need for a robust policy framework to address these health challenges, emphasising the importance of stakeholder involvement in creating a practical and actionable document.
“We need to understand the vulnerabilities and health impacts associated with climate chang.