He made these remarks on Thursday at the Future of Health Conference 2024, organized by Nigeria Health Watch, a non-profit organization dedicated to public health communication and advocacy.
This annual conference aims to address challenges within the health sector and promote policy initiatives to ensure that all Nigerians have access to quality and affordable healthcare.
The theme for this year's event is “From Evidence to Action: Building Resilience at the Climate—Health Nexus.”
Mr. Pate further noted that climate change is also exacerbating the transmission of infectious diseases such as malaria and cholera.
Emphasizing the effects of climate change on the populace, Mr. Pate expressed concern over its negative impact on the food system and the rising rates of malnutrition.
The minister highlighted that climate change has also led to an increased prevalence of certain respiratory illnesses, including cardiovascular diseases.
He remarked, “This year, Nigeria has experienced significant climate-related disruptions, including extensive flooding and droughts across various regions. These environmental changes have resulted in a notable rise in climate-sensitive diseases.
“During a visit to Kano in December, community leaders voiced their worries about the occurrence of malaria cases during a period when it is typically not seen. We are also observing the emergence of new vectors, such as dengue in Sokoto and yellow fever in other areas. Furthermore, cholera outbreaks associated with contaminated water sources and other enteric diseases are becoming increasingly common.”
The Effects of Climate Change
In 2022, Nigeria faced its most severe flooding in over ten years, displacing more than 2 million individuals due to unprecedented climate-related events. Since that time, the nation has encountered annual flooding, displacing thousands and heightening the risks of malaria and cholera outbreaks.
In the northern regions, drought and desertification are diminishing arable land and exacerbating food insecurity, while increasingly intense heat waves are elevating health risks and energy requirements.
Studies have linked climate change to various health issues, including cerebrospinal meningitis, respiratory disorders in the elderly, skin cancer, malaria, hypertension, and increased morbidity rates.
The most vulnerable populations identified include children, pregnant women, the elderly, individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities, and those living in extreme poverty.
To combat these challenges, the minister emphasized the necessity of establishing a robust healthcare system alongside effective governance and policy measures.
"Enhancing health outcomes must prioritize primary healthcare, which is crucial for building resilience against climate-related and other health threats.
"We are committed to strengthening our healthcare workforce to ensure they are equipped to identify and respond to emerging diseases. Additionally, we must enhance our health infrastructure to adequately address the energy demands posed by climate change," he stated.
Resilience in the face of climate change
Vivianne Ihekweazu, Managing Director of Nigeria Health, emphasized the importance of resilience and commitment to safeguarding citizens, addressing the effects of climate change, and enhancing the health sector.
Mrs. Ihekweazu highlighted that to effectively tackle these challenges, collaboration between civil society organizations (CSOs) and government entities is essential, utilizing local community insights to foster successful adaptation strategies.
She further stated, “Resilience cannot be achieved in a vacuum; it necessitates a multisectoral approach that unites various stakeholders.”
“Building climate resilience within the health sector requires robust leadership and policy frameworks that encompass health, agriculture, environment, and energy.”
“CSOs play a vital role in elevating the voices of local communities. It is crucial to cultivate trust by valuing and utilizing local knowledge. By forming coalitions across different sectors, CSOs can ensure that interventions are both inclusive and sustainable. Additionally, strong evidence is fundamental to any effective intervention. We must leverage research findings to bolster our advocacy efforts.”