The Borno State Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Ministry for Environment and the UK FCCD Lafita Program, conducted a workshop to raise awareness about the health effects of climate change. Experts emphasized the link between climate change and health issues, particularly following recent floods in Maiduguri. Calls for public education and preventive strategies were made to combat the adverse effects of climate change on health.
In a significant effort to address the pressing issues of climate change and its impact on public health, the Borno State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry for Environment and the UK FCCD Lafita Program, recently organized a one-day workshop aimed at sensitizing stakeholders regarding the health implications of climate change. The workshop served as an essential platform for educating health professionals, specialists, and environmentalists about the intricate connections between climate change and various health challenges. Dr. Langana Bukar, the Director General of the LAFIYA Project, underscored the workshop’s relevance, especially in light of the recent flood disaster that devastated Maiduguri, a direct consequence of climate change-induced alterations in weather patterns. Dr. Bukar remarked, “This workshop is timely and apt because of the recent flood disaster that ravaged the state which was also as a result of climate change and the health challenges that may follow”. Additionally, he noted that public awareness regarding the correlation between climate change and health remains alarmingly low, with many individuals unaware that climate change adversely affects environmental stability, subsequently leading to health risks such as cardiovascular diseases and respiratory ailments resulting from increased greenhouse gas emissions. Ambassador Usman Aliyu, the Director General of the Borno State Green Wall Agency, elaborated on the multifaceted nature of the environment, delineating its three essential components: physical, biological, and socioeconomic. He issued a caution against the indiscriminate usage of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agricultural practices, warning that such actions could lead to long-term adverse effects, including soil degradation, contamination of groundwater, and subsequent health issues. ”The use of chemical fertilizer, pesticide also have a long run effect on soil fertility, contamination of ground water and destruction of Soil structure which brings disease such as cancer, gastrointestinal diseases, among others”, he stated. The workshop concluded with a strong emphasis on the necessity for public awareness campaigns, training, and the implementation of effective strategies to mitigate the health effects of climate change. Stakeholders were encouraged to disseminate the knowledge gained through the workshop back to their respective communities. This initiative is pivotal in addressing the health ramifications associated with climate change, particularly in light of recent flooding events. By fostering awareness and promoting mitigation strategies, the region can work towards a healthier and more sustainable future.
The occurrence of climate change has been increasingly recognized for its detrimental effects on public health. Disasters such as flooding can exacerbate existing health disparities and introduce new health challenges. Workshops aimed at sensitizing stakeholders in health and environmental sectors are vital in building awareness and readiness to combat these challenges. In regions like Borno, where climate-related disasters have been frequent, such educational initiatives are essential for promoting community resilience and adapting public health strategies in response to changing environmental conditions.
The workshop organized by the Borno State authorities highlighted the urgent need to connect climate change awareness with public health education. By recognizing the intricacies of how climate change influences health outcomes, stakeholders can better prepare and implement strategies to mitigate these effects. Emphasizing community engagement and education will be crucial in building a resilient society capable of addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change.
Original Source: www.nationalaccordnewspaper.com
