Medical experts have raised alarms over the potential rise in malaria and cholera cases in Nigeria due to climate change. They emphasize that rising temperatures and extreme weather conditions create a more conducive environment for these diseases, necessitating urgent public health measures.
Experts noted that climate change could shorten the mosquito life cycle, increase their population density, and expand their geographic range, leading to higher malaria incidences. The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, highlighted that worsening air quality and increased pollution are exacerbating the spread of infectious diseases.
Speaking at the Future of Health Conference 2024, Pate pointed to significant climate-related disruptions this year, including widespread flooding and droughts, which have intensified the prevalence of climate-sensitive diseases. The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Jide Idris, echoed these concerns, linking increased rainfall and flooding to ideal conditions for cholera transmission.
Public health experts emphasize the importance of adequate access to clean water and hygiene practices to curb disease spread. Professor Tanimola Akande from the University of Ilorin noted that heavy rainfall and flooding contribute to the proliferation of mosquitoes, thus increasing malaria transmission. He urged the government to address climate change factors and implement renewable energy solutions.
Dr. Azeezat Shopeyin-Dosunmu, a public health physician at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, reiterated that malaria is a stable occurrence in Nigeria, driven by environmental factors that favor the survival of both the Anopheles mosquito and the Plasmodium parasite. She stressed that rising global temperatures will inevitably alter patterns of infection, necessitating an adaptation in public health responses.
The experts concluded that comprehensive strategies, including effective water and sanitation measures and vaccination programs, are crucial in mitigating the impacts of climate change on public health.
