n Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases and Public Health Epidemiology in Nasarawa, North-central Nigeria, Dr Ishaku Akyala, has decried the impact of Climate change on vulnerable populations such as women, children and the poor, saying it is severe and exposes them to challenges related to waterborne diseases, malnutrition and mental health consequences.
He stated this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.
While underscoring the impact of climate change on public health in Africa, he said the devastating effects of extreme weather, including floods and heat waves, led to increased disease burden and deaths across the continent.
Akyala called for urgent action to mitigate the effects, and recommended enhanced sensitisation to educate the people.
He said health systems, governments and health professionals also required sensitisation on the health impacts of climate change.
He emphasized the need for “governments and health systems must adapt strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change on public health.
“This includes measures to improve water and food security, enhance healthcare infrastructure, and strengthen disease surveillance and response systems,”
