Nigeria's Health at Risk: How Collaborative Climate Solutions Can Help Save Over 200 Million Lives

Climate change is having a profound impact on the health of individuals and public health systems, particularly in Nigeria, where the effects of a changing climate are becoming increasingly apparent. This is not only a health issue but also a social justice concern, as those who are already most vulnerable are being disproportionately affected.

One of the most significant ways that we are witnessing the impact of climate change is through the decline in air quality. As temperatures rise, the formation of ozone is increased, which can lead to respiratory problems. Heatwaves are also becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, which usually lead to heat-related illnesses and even death. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that between 2030 and 2050, climate change will cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year, mostly due to malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress.

There is more danger ahead as climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, such as floods and storms, which can lead to injuries, infections, and mental health issues. On the other hand, climate change is making existing health problems even harder to deal with. For example, individuals with respiratory issues may find it more difficult to breathe during heatwaves or in areas with poor air quality.

Those who are already most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as children, the elderly, people with health problems, pregnant women, those who work outside, people with disabilities, and the poor, bear the brunt of this crisis as they often have limited access to healthcare and resources.

Climate Change: A Multifaceted Threat to Nigeria’s Public Health

Climate change is having a significant impact on public health systems and individual health, with air pollution, food insecurity, water pollution, and heat-related illnesses being some of the major issues. To add some context, air pollution is a weighty concern, particularly in Nigeria. According to the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), 22,500 children died from air pollution in Lagos in 2021 due to bad environment. This underscores the urgent need to address air pollution, which can lead to respiratory problems, heart disease, and even premature death.

Food insecurity is another pressing issue worsened by climate change, leading to crop failures and reduced food production. In Nigeria, food insecurity is already a biting issue with 63% of the population experiencing moderate or severe food insecurity in 2021, according to the WFP. Water pollution could also worsen as climate change can lead to the contamination of water sources. The United Nations Children's Fund posits that 60% of Nigerians lack access to safe drinking water.

Heat-related illnesses are also becoming more frequent due to climate change, particularly in urban areas where there is limited green space. Heatwaves are responsible for 12,000 deaths per year, and this number is expected to increase with climate change, according to the WHO. Since the start of this year, Nigeria has faced prolonged stretches of severe heat, with temperatures reaching up to 45 degrees Celsius in some areas.

Moreover, the economic toll of climate-induced health crises is striking, with up to 132 million people expected to fall into poverty by 2030 due to direct health impacts of climate change. This highlights the urgent need to address the root causes of climate change and to ensure that those who are most at risk are protected.

Way Forward: Collaborative Solutions for a Healthier Future

To mitigate and adapt to the climate challenges affecting the health of over 200 million people in Nigeria, a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders is necessary. Policies that rapidly reduce emissions and build resiliency in a changing climate are vital, including the advancement of gender equity and access to reproductive healthcare.

Public health agencies play a crucial role in leading high-risk groups in emergency preparedness and ensuring the continuity of medical services. Health organizations have standing in local communities that grants access, trust, and the ability to raise awareness and spur grassroots action. Public health outreach and education are indispensable for promoting behaviours and policies that improve climate resilience.

Nigeria urgently needs a multi-pronged approach built on collaboration across government sectors, civil society, the private sector, and international partners to protect the health of its citizens. Some key strategies include:

• Early Warning Systems & Preparedness: Robust systems to forecast extreme weather events, air quality, and outbreaks of climate-sensitive diseases save lives and minimize impacts on health services.

• Sustainable Urban Planning: Green spaces, heat-reducing infrastructure, and policies to curb pollution make cities healthier places to live, especially for vulnerable populations. 

• Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Design and implement agricultural practices and systems to withstand and adapt to the impacts of climate change while maintaining productivity, sustainability, and food security. This includes support for drought-resistant crops, water-efficient irrigation, among others.

• Clean Energy Investment: A transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources cuts pollution and improves air quality, directly benefiting public health by reducing respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular problems associated with air pollution.

• Climate Resilient Healthcare Systems: Governments at all levels must have a clear understanding of all health-related vulnerabilities to climate change, including at the system level, develop and implement a robust climate-resilient health strategy, strengthen the capacity of health systems to manage climate risks and ensure that health systems are integrated into national climate change adaptation plans. 

From extreme weather events to air pollution, food insecurity, and vector-borne diseases, the health risks associated with a changing climate are extensive and complex. However, by working together across government sectors, civil society, the private sector, and international partners, Nigeria can protect the health of its citizens, build a more resilient economy, and secure a just future for its teeming population that has been predicted to hit 400 million by 2050.