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Category: Health

  • 46-yr-old kidney transplant patient cries for help

    46-yr-old kidney transplant patient cries for help

    UMUAHIA – Mr Steve Obinna Ugboaja, 46, from Akpaa Mbato Community in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, who needs N30M million for a kidney transplant, has made a passionate appeal to public-spirited individuals and charity organizations for urgent assistance.

    The father of three who lives at M Line, World Bank Housing Estate, Umuahia, told Vanguard that a kidney transplant was recommended for him since last year when his case became very critical.

    According to him, a kidney transplant had been suggested as the only option for his survival.

    Ugboaja who was a Marketing personnel with a pharmaceutical company before his health challenge became intense, is currently placed on dialysis three times a week.

    He said that his life savings and family resources had been drained following the high cost of managing his medical condition.

    The father of three who said he did not want to succumb to the ailment, appealed to members of the public, particularly the Abia State Government, to come to his aid.

    ” My name is Steve Ugboaja (08065134075), an Abian and a Nigerian. I have four children. I have been diagnosed of Kidney failure. Doctors have suggested a kidney transplant as the only option for my survival.

    “I am already on admission at the Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, Gudu, Abuja, for a transplant procedure whose charge is N30 million.

    ” I am publicly and passionately appealing to the Government of Abia State; and good-spirited individuals including Gov. Alex Otti, and others, to please, assist me raise N30 million for my kidney transparent. I pray that God will reward you and take away disease from you and your household”.

    He gave his account details as:
    Name: Obinna Ugboaja
    Account number: 1002385232
    Bank: Zenith Bank.

    Meanwhile, an accompanying letter from the Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, confirmed he was a patient of the hospital.

    According to the letter signed by Dr K. Dakwak, on behalf of the Consultant Physician/Nephrologist, Dr Faponle, the patient whose hospital number was given as 344685, needs kidney transplant as quickly as possible.

    The letter read in part:” This patient is managed as a case of acute chronic kidney disease, and currently placed on maintenance hemodialysis three times weekly. A kidney transplant is the optimal option of renal replacement therapy as it offers better quality life and reduces risk of mortality”.

  • Japa: Only 6,000 medical consultants remain in Nigeria – MDCAN

    Japa: Only 6,000 medical consultants remain in Nigeria – MDCAN

    The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) says only 6,000 consultants are left in the country.

    Its President, Prof. Muhammad Mohammad, said this on Thursday during the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting in Ilorin.

    The meeting was themed, “Policy Making for Quality Healthcare Services: Engaging Policy Makers for Quality Healthcare Delivery”.

    Mohammad explained that 6,000 consultants remain as of February 2024, lamenting that data showed that about 1,300 left Nigeria in the last five years.

    According to him, the number will continue to dwindle as the retirement age for medical consultants is 60 years.

    “About 1,700 consultants are above 55 years of age.

    “This means that in the next five years, they are going to leave the services for retirement,” he said.

    The MDCAN president emphasised that the number of consultants would continue to reduce, as long as the country produces only one or two per annum.

    “So you can see that the replacement cannot keep up with the loss from ‘Japa’ syndrome and from retirement,” he said.

    Mohammad commended the government for its efforts toward finding solutions to the challenges.

    According to him, the association is hopeful that consultants will be able to serve up to 70 years, while other healthcare workers will continue to serve up to 65 years.

    He noted that such a move would ensure that medical and dental consultants who remain in the country continue to give their expertise in the health field.

    Mohammad also appealed to the government at all tiers to ensure medical lectures are placed on the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), addressing disparities in their emoluments.

    “We also want to have an environment where we will be able to practice and deliver the best quality healthcare in Nigeria,” he said.

    Similarly, the Kwara Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina El-Imam, said the theme of the NEC meeting was apt, noting that appropriate policies were critical to assist the government in delivering quality healthcare to citizens.

  • Africa malaria jab rollout delivers 10 million doses

    Africa malaria jab rollout delivers 10 million doses

    Nearly 10 million malaria vaccine doses were delivered to Africa during the first year of routine immunisation being rolled out across the continent, the Gavi vaccine alliance said Wednesday.

    The mosquito-borne disease kills nearly 600,000 people a year, the vast majority in Africa, with children heavily affected, according to the World Health Organization.

    In a pilot phase from 2019 to 2023, more than two million children were jabbed with the RTS,S vaccine in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi, resulting in substantial reductions in severe malaria illness and hospitalisations.

    The pilot also resulted in a 13-percent drop in mortality, said WHO, which now recommends RTS,S alongside R21/Matrix-M to vaccinate against malaria.

    Following the pilot, routine malaria vaccination was rolled out in those three countries and 14 others, starting in Cameroon in January 2024.

    Gavi said more than 9.8 million doses had since been delivered, estimating that five million children have received a degree of protection.

    The programme aims to administer four vaccine doses to each child, which, Gavi said, stressing that it was seeking to “consistently reach those at highest risk in every country”.

    It hailed “promising early results” from Cameroon, with reduced deaths in children under five.

    “In a high-burden country like Cameroon, where malaria claims more than 13,000 lives each year and represents close to 30 percent of all hospital consultations, each percentage point reduction in cases, deaths and consultations represents lives transformed,” said Gavi chief Sania Nishtar.

    – Malaria burden in Africa –

    Overall, Africa accounts for approximately 94 percent of global malaria cases and 95 percent of related deaths, according to WHO.

    There were 263 million reported malaria cases in 2023, up from 252 million in 2022.

    But the number of deaths from the mosquito-borne disease fell back slightly from 600,000 in 2022 to 597,000 in 2023.

    More than half the deaths occurred in just four countries: Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Niger and Tanzania.

    Children under five accounted for about 76 percent of all malaria deaths in Africa.

    Gavi said it planned to expand into up to eight further African countries this year, in a move “expected to protect an additional 13 million children”.

    And from 2026 to 2030, Gavi said it “aims to help countries protect a further 50 million children with four doses of the malaria vaccine”.

  • 14.3m Nigerians abuse drugs – NAFDAC

    14.3m Nigerians abuse drugs – NAFDAC

    Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has said that about 14.3 million or  Nigerians are victims of drug abuse.

    Adeyeye stated this at the inaugural ceremony of the agency’s youth programme, tagged, ‘’Catch Them Young,’’  held at the Government Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday.

    According to her, research findings show that one out of every four high-risk drug users has been arrested for drug-related offences.

    She said that the arrest included 73 per cent for drug possession, 12 per cent for theft, five per cent for sex work, four per cent for burglary, and two per cent for shop lifting.

    ‘’Note that this data only shows the number of arrests; if we consider that most crimes are unreported, then we will see that we have a huge problem on hands,’’ she said.

    Adeyeye, however, noted the negative effects of drug abuse on families, society, and the nation’s socio-economic development.

    She explained that the situation caused NAFDAC to initiate a comprehensive, coordinated, and  intensive programme, designed to reduce the prevalence of drug abuse among secondary school students.

    According to the DG, drug addiction can rise from both legal such as prescribed medicines and illicit drugs.

    ’’This programme is not designed to scare anyone but to have honest conversations with you.

    ’’This will help you to take informed decisions with regards to illicit drug use, including alcohol consumption,’’ she said.

    Speaking earlier, Mr Onogwu Emmanuel, State Coordinator, NAFDAC, Rivers, Mr Onogwu Emmanuel, stated the reason behind the sensitisation and capacity building programme being moved to secondary schools.

    He explained that the secondary students were most vulnerable, adding that the youths, as the future leaders, should actively participate in preventing drug abuse.

    He, however, said that two sch00ls were selected from each of the three senatorial zones of the state for the pilot phase of the project.

    In her remark, the Principal of the school, Gladys Iheumamme commended NAFDAC for the project and urged it to sustain it in order to save the future of the NIgerian youth. (NAN)

  • FG signs MoU with Chinese firm for local production of HIV diagnostic kits

    The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China-based WONDFO BIOTECH Ltd. to begin local production of HIV diagnostic kits in Nigeria.

    This partnership is set to improve access to reliable HIV testing, encourage local manufacturing of HIV diagnostic reagents, and support Nigeria’s fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS while strengthening healthcare self-sufficiency.

    Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), made the announcement on Wednesday in Abuja, as WONDFO donated 4,000 HIV test kits in preparation for World AIDS Day.
    The WONDFO community recently in China signed a MoU with feedback on unlocking the value chain initiative of President Tinubu, to ensure that we have domestic production of the reagent of the test kits and other HIV commodities.

    “I want to commend you for this initiative, and we look forward to seeing your domestic plants here in Nigeria,” she stated.

    She expressed gratitude to WONDFO for the donated commodities, noting that this initiative would help in the fight to end the AIDS epidemic in Nigeria.

    “This will ensure that individuals can actually test for HIV, even in the comfort of their homes, We are happy to have this kit with us, and we want to assure you that we’re going to give it judicious use,” she said

    Supporting prevention and ending the epidemic
    Mr. Bravo Ouhabru, WONDFO’s Country Representative, explained that the test kits comprising both self-testing and professional use kits will enhance healthcare and support HIV prevention efforts in Nigeria.

    The initiative is part of the support WONDFO is extending to NACA for the 2024 World AIDS Day commemoration, with a goal of promoting reliable testing, increasing awareness of HIV status, and working towards ending the epidemic by 2030.

    Ouhabru added that many people remain unaware of their HIV status, “The fact that someone tested negative today does not mean that it’s negative forever. It is very important we continue to move ahead with all this activity that will make everybody aware, to know their status.”

    “HIV status is very important. That is the starting point. Once you know that, then all other areas involved in HIV management can easily come in,” he said.

    Ouhabru said that to improve accessibility, WONDFO plans to offer subsidized test kits through private pharmacies, making it easier for people to test themselves at home and seek timely medical intervention if needed.

    “Knowing one’s HIV status is the first step towards effective management and prevention, ensuring individuals and healthcare providers can take timely action,“, he emphasized.

    Types of HIV diagnostic kits

    Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs): These are the most commonly used kits for HIV testing, providing results within 15-30 minutes. RDTs are ideal for point-of-care testing and are widely used in clinics, mobile testing sites, and community centers.
    ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) Kits: These are lab-based kits used for confirmatory testing. They detect antibodies to HIV and are highly sensitive but require more time and specialized equipment.
    What you should know
    Nigeria has one of the highest HIV burdens globally, though progress has been made in reducing prevalence.
    The prevalence rate is around 1.3% of the population, with young people (ages 15-24) being particularly vulnerable.
    The country is home to approximately 1.8 million people living with HIV, with various states showing differing levels of prevalence. States like Akwa Ibom and Benue tend to have higher rates than others.

  • WHO allocates 899,000 mpox vaccines to Nigeria, 8 African countries amid surges 

    WHO allocates 899,000 mpox vaccines to Nigeria, 8 African countries amid surges 

    An initial 899,000 vaccine doses have been allocated to Nigeria and 8 other countries across Africa that have been hit hard by the current mpox surge, the WHO and other health organizations said on Wednesday.

    The newly allocated vaccines will go to the Central African Republic, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda.

    “The largest number of doses – 85% of the allocated vaccines – will go to the Democratic Republic of Congo as the most affected country,” global health agency said.
    The allocated vaccines are provided by Canada, Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance), the United States, and the European Union, including countries like France, Germany, Spain, and others, along with the EU’s Health Emergency Response Authority.

    The global health agency said this allocation to the 9 countries marks a significant step towards a coordinated and targeted deployment of vaccines to stop the mpox outbreaks.

    “For most countries, the rollout of mpox vaccines will be a new undertaking. Implementing targeted vaccination requires additional resources,” the statement reads.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the mpox outbreak, driven largely by a surge of the clade Ib viral strain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as a global public health emergency for the second time in two years in August.

    According to the latest WHO figures, opens new tab, there have been more than 46,000 confirmed and suspected cases of mpox in Africa this year, and more than 1,000 deaths in the continent due to viral illness.

    “This year, 19 countries in Africa have reported mpox, many of them newly affected by the viral disease,” it reports.

    Emphasizing on expand protection, the global health agency noted that to protect more people at risk in affected communities, additional doses of vaccine are available.

    “It targets individuals at high risk of severe disease based on local epidemiology in affected areas, focusing on regions with the highest incidence of mpox.

    “Special attention will be given to vulnerable populations, including those living with HIV, internally displaced persons, and refugees, due to their increased risk of severe outcomes,” WHO said.

    Vaccine availability
    Over 5.85 million vaccine doses are expected to be available to the Mpox Vaccines Access and Allocation Mechanism (AAM) by the end of 2024, including the nearly 900 000 allocated doses.

    The supply includes contributions from multiple nations and organizations, including 1.85 million dose donations of MVA-BN from the European Union, United States, and Canada, 500 000 doses of MVA-BN from Gavi utilizing the First Response Fund, 500 000 doses procured through UNICEF, as well as a further 3 million doses of the LC16 vaccine from Japan.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • FG announces free cesarean sections for Nigerian women to tackle maternal mortality

    FG announces free cesarean sections for Nigerian women to tackle maternal mortality

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, announced that Cesarean sections will now be provided free of charge to all Nigerian women in need.

    The announcement was made in Abuja on Thursday at the launch of the Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative (MAMII), during the ongoing Joint Annual Review (JAR) of the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) for health.

    Prof. Pate explained that the initiative, part of the new Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII) project, ” Under the initiative, cesarean sections and essential maternal care would be provided free of charge to eligible women across the country.
    “The new policy is designed to ensure that women who need C-sections—either due to complications or as part of planned deliveries—can access the procedure without financial obstacles.”

    “The initiatives will also address Nigeria’s high maternal and neonatal mortality rates by improving access to quality healthcare, enhancing primary health care (PHC) services, and increasing community engagement, “he explained.

    Addressing high mortality rates through community engagement
    Pate emphasized that the initiative targets Nigeria’s high maternal and neonatal mortality rates, currently standing at 512 deaths per 100,000 live births and 41 deaths per 1,000 live births, respectively, along with a low uptake of essential health services.

    “The Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative would primarily focus on local government areas reporting over 50 percent of maternal deaths, as many women face barriers such as lack of awareness, spousal consent, and financial challenges.

    “The initiative, supported by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), aims to make life-saving procedures like cesarean sections accessible to women in need without the burden of cost,” he said.

    International and local support for MAMII
    Walter Mulombo, the World Health Organization (WHO) country representative in Nigeria, praised the initiative, underscoring the importance of effective implementation.

    “No woman should lose her life simply because she can’t afford a C-section. If implemented right, this initiative will deliver. We’re here to support every step of the way,” Mulombo stated.

    Dr. Adaeze Oreh, Commissioner for Health in Rivers State, commended Prof. Pate’s approach, calling it a vital step toward Nigeria’s maternal health goals and advancing universal healthcare coverage. She highlighted that the success of MAMII relies on the active involvement of communities, healthcare providers, and government agencies.

    Charting a path for health sector reform
    The three-day Joint Annual Review event, where MAMII was launched, will also set priorities for the next phase of Nigeria’s health sector reforms.

    Leaders and stakeholders will explore solutions to ongoing challenges in the healthcare system, aiming to foster accountability, inclusivity, and sustainable progress.

  • NHIA expands insurance coverage to fund Fistula treatment in Nigeria

    NHIA expands insurance coverage to fund Fistula treatment in Nigeria

    The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) is intensifying its support for Nigeria’s vulnerable populations by funding Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) treatment and enrolling patients in government health insurance programs.

    This move, announced by NHIA Director-General Dr. Kelechi Ohiri at the Joint Annual Review (JAR) meeting on Thursday in Abuja, is part of a broader effort to ease healthcare access for low-income Nigerians.

    The JAR meeting is a key event dedicated to assessing the progress of the health sector and evaluating the effectiveness of the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp).
    It serves as an important platform for advancing SWAp in Nigeria, bringing together key stakeholders to review achievements, address challenges, and explore opportunities for enhancing healthcare.

    Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), recently announced that the NHIA is ramping up efforts to provide essential healthcare to approximately 2.4 million low-income Nigerians.

    “The initiative, which falls under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), aims to deliver vital health services without financial burdens for the country’s most vulnerable populations.”

    “The NHIA’s partnership with state health insurance agencies ensures that funds go directly to healthcare providers. These providers will then offer free or subsidised services to eligible beneficiaries, ensuring that those in need receive quality care without the burden of out-of-pocket expenses,” he explained.

    “The NHIA also monitors healthcare providers and insurance agencies to maintain high standards of care and accountability throughout its programmes.

    “This initiative reflects a broader commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), with NHIA actively seeking citizen feedback and collaborating with public and private sectors to extend health insurance access to informal workers and marginalized groups,” he added.

    SWAp principles: A path to sector transformation
    Dr. Ohiri highlighted the transformative potential of Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) principles for Nigeria’s health sector. He emphasized three key components critical to success:

    Dr. Ohiri emphasized the importance of transparency in resource allocation and accountability across all levels, including government agencies, state health offices, and development partners.

    He noted that the SWAp framework can improve monitoring and resource utilization, ensuring that citizens, taxpayers, and stakeholders feel the impact of their contributions.

    Addressing the “dichotomy” in accountability—whether it should focus on the country, citizens, or funders—Ohiri stressed the need for unified progress in the sector.

    He urged all stakeholders, from federal agencies to local governments, to align with shared health goals.

    Mike Tyson’s phrase, “Everyone has a plan until you get punched in the face”, he stressed the need for adaptable health strategies to address real-world challenges effectively.

    He concluded that flexible, locally responsive strategies, he said, were key to achieving better health outcomes in Nigeria

  • NSIA, Siemens Healthineers sign agreement to strengthen cancer care infrastructure in Nigeria

    NSIA, Siemens Healthineers sign agreement to strengthen cancer care infrastructure in Nigeria

    The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and Siemens Healthineers, have signed an agreement to improve cancer care treatment infrastructure in Nigeria.

    This collaboration between public and private sectors is aimed at addressing critical health challenges, ensuring that Nigerians have access to world-class cancer treatment and care.

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who announced this on Friday via a post on shared in a post on X, said the agreement aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to create a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Initiative (#NHSRII).
    “Moving forward with Mr. President’s @officialABAT pledge for a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria, we have taken a significant step today with the signing of the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) between the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (@nsia_nigeria) and Siemens Healthineers @SiemensHealth,” the Minister stated.

    “This partnership is pivotal to achieving improved quality health outcomes under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Initiative (#NHSRII), and reinforces our commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure, especially in the area of cancer treatment, where the burden on Nigerian families has been profound,” he emphasized.

    Transforming cancer care
    With the first set of facilities expected to be operational by May 2025, this agreement marks the beginning of a transformative era in Nigeria’s cancer care landscape.

    For the first time, Nigeria will benefit from a large-scale investment in advanced cancer treatment infrastructure, empowering our healthcare system to deliver timely, high-quality care to those in need.
    “The significance of this agreement extends beyond a commercial transaction, Pate continued. “It represents a strategic alignment of public and private sector resources to address some of the most pressing health challenges facing our nation.”

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare also said that the partnership will ensure that newly installed equipment will be supported by a well-trained workforce, enabling the delivery of quality cancer treatment from day one.
    “The initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a healthcare system that meets global standards and responds to the pressing needs of Nigerian citizens.”

    A collaborative effort for a healthier future
    Pate commended the leadership of Mr. Aminu Umar-Sadiq, Managing Director of NSIA, for his instrumental role in advancing the project and maximizing the impact of public healthcare investments.

    He also recognized Mr. Ashok Kakkar, Vice President and Zone Head for Middle East and Africa at Siemens Healthineers, for the company’s exceptional commitment to Nigeria’s healthcare progress.
    “Siemens’ 30% discount on equipment and commitment to extensive training for healthcare professionals underscore their long-term dedication to the success of this initiative.”

    Collaborative efforts from institutions like the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) and various federal university teaching hospitals have ensured that this project aligns closely with Nigeria’s healthcare priorities.
    “As we celebrate this achievement, we remain optimistic about the future of healthcare in Nigeria. With the promise of Mr. President, the dedication of our partners, and the unwavering support of stakeholders, we are building a resilient healthcare system that will serve all Nigerians,” Pate concluded.

  • Nigeria’s disease burden could reach 21% due to climate change – Report

    Nigeria’s disease burden could reach 21% due to climate change – Report

    Nigeria’s disease burden could reach 21% due to climate change and its escalating impact, a new report warns, emphasizing the urgent need for resilient health systems to address mounting climate risks.

    The report, titled National Vulnerability and Adaptation (V&A) Assessment, was unveiled by the World Health Organization (WHO) during the Health Sector-Wide Joint Annual Review (JAR 2024) on Friday in Abuja.

    It marks Nigeria’s first-ever Climate Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment Report (VA).
    The report warns that the risks and impact of climate change on the health sector are projected to worsen in terms of severity, duration and magnitude across all geographic areas of Nigeria.

    “Under all scenarios and despite any efforts, the country’s risk to climate change is increasing and will continue to increase.” The report states these increased risks will create a situation that will impact healthcare capacity, increase the vulnerability of communities and create conditions more conducive to disease growth.

    Dr Walter Mulombo, WHO’s Head of Mission and Country Representative for Nigeria said during the JAR 2024 that climate change is the greatest health threat of the 21st century.

    “The report projects that climate factors could soon account for up to 21 per cent of Nigeria’s disease burden, underscoring the urgency of transformative action.”

    “Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifting disease patterns are already straining health systems, livelihoods, and well-being, especially among vulnerable populations. Together, we can protect Nigerians from the risks of a changing climate by building a health system that prioritizes resilience,” he added.

    Climate-driven rise in infectious diseases
    The report predicts an increase in waterborne diseases and a rise in cases of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as Buruli ulcer, Guinea worm, and trypanosomiasis.
    It also highlights that diarrheal deaths in children under five, driven by climate change, could account for about 9.8% of all diarrheal-related fatalities.
    In addition, cardiovascular diseases are expected to reach 4.5 million cases by 2030, while diabetes cases could rise to 450,000. Hypertension is projected to increase from 900,000 cases in 2020 to 1.6 million by 2030.
    Neurological disorders and self-harm are also expected to rise, with mental health cases increasing from 2.6 million in 2020 to over 3.1 million by 2030.
    Other health concerns include a rise in asthma, respiratory illnesses, and tuberculosis, with the latter expected to increase from 41,000 to 52,000 cases. Vector-borne diseases, such as malaria and yellow fever, are also predicted to escalate as environmental conditions change.
    The report identified the most climate-vulnerable states in Nigeria as Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Jigawa, Taraba, Bauchi, and Yobe. Other high-risk areas include parts of Niger, Kwara, southern Cross River, and Imo and Abia states.

    It also forecasts that 2050 temperatures across Nigeria will rise by 1.0 to 1.1°C under moderate climate scenarios, with increases of up to 3.0°C in extreme cases. This could lead to a doubling of heat-related deaths, from 2.5 to 5 per 100,000 people by 2080.

    Additionally, the report highlights that climate change will bring increased rainfall, putting an additional 800,000 people at risk of flooding by 2030

    Call for Resilient Health Systems
    In response to the findings, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Pate, shared insights via his official X handle.

    He noted that the report provides essential insights into the impacts of climate change on health across Nigeria.

    “By identifying climate-related health risks, the Report supports the creation of a resilient health system capable of addressing the challenges posed by a changing environment, underscoring our commitment to sustainable health security and the well-being of Nigerians,” he stated.

    Comparing Nigeria’s climate-related disease burden with other African countries
    Climate-related health burdens vary by country, Nigeria’s climate-related disease burden is among the highest in Africa.

    The overall trend across Africa shows that countries with similar climatic conditions, such as Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa, are experiencing rising health crises as a result of climate change.
    When compared to other African countries like Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa, Nigeria faces similar climate-related health challenges, including rising cases of diseases such as malaria and respiratory illnesses.
    However, countries like Ghana and Senegal have made more progress in reducing their health burdens and improving child survival rates
    In contrast, Nigeria’s high malaria rates and relatively low vaccination coverage leave it particularly vulnerable to the worsening impacts of climate change.