Cyriacus Nnaji
World Health Organisation (WHO) has alerted Nigeria on impending climate related diseases in the country.
The health body averred that if something urgent is not done about 21% of Nigeria’s disease burden could be climate-related.
Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, the Head of Mission and Representative of World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria, made the disclosure at the launch of Nigeria’s first-ever Climate Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment Report 2024 at Joint Annual Review 2024 (JAR 2024) which took place at Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Nigeria, on 8th November, 2024.
He recalled that at the 77th World Health Assembly, climate change was recognized as the most significant threat to global health in the 21st century, profoundly affecting human lives. It threatens the essential ingredients of good health – clean air, safe drinking water, nutritious food supply and safe shelter – and has the potential to undermine decades of progress in the health system.
Mulombo said, “The alarming projection that in the near future, 21% of Nigeria’s disease burden could be climate-related underscores the urgent need for transformative action.
“Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifting disease patterns are already having severe consequences on health systems, livelihoods, and well-being, particularly among vulnerable populations.”
Mulombo stated that this year’s JAR is particularly significant as it marks the launch of Nigeria’s First-Ever Climate Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment (VA) Report 2024, adding that this report is a crucial milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to safeguard health in the face of climate change.
He added that the Climate Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment Report 2024 is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to addressing the health impacts of climate change, moreover, a precursor for action to advance health in all policies.
He said importantly, the success of the VA report assures that partners and government work together under one document, one plan, one conversation – SWAP.
Mulombo said “As a key partner in this journey, WHO facilitated Nigeria’s first-ever signing of a Health Sector Commitment to a Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Health System in 2021, aligning the country’s health priorities with the Paris Agreement and the COP26 Health Programme. This historic commitment laid the foundation for developing resilient health systems capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change.
“WHO is proud to have collaborated with the Government of Nigeria and partners like Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), World Bank and our sister agency: UNICEF, on supporting several key initiatives in this area,” he disclosed.
Mulombo said that in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and FCDO, WHO played an important role in finalizing the Climate Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment (VA) Report. This report, according to him, provides vital data that will inform Nigeria’s Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP), a framework that will guide national health policies and ensure resilience against climate-related health risks.
“Furthermore, WHO, together with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and partners, have directly supported the training of over 382 health workers and climate change and health desk officers across all 36+1 states. WHO in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) led regional scoping mission in 2018 towards ending Black Soot Air Pollution in Port Harcourt. This initiative has established a sub-national foundation for advancing health system climate initiatives and ensuring that local health systems are informed on the health impacts of climate change,” he added.
He said WHO is a dedicated partner to Nigeria in its pursuit of a healthier and more climate-resilient future. “As Nigeria prepares for the future, investing in climate-resilient health systems is a crucial priority. WHO remains a dedicated partner to Nigeria in its pursuit of a healthier and more climate-resilient future. Together, we can build a stronger health system capable of protecting all Nigerians from the risks posed by a changing climate.”