From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
The Nigerian government, in collaboration with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Lafiya Programmes, is taking significant strides to address the growing threat of climate change to public health.
Rising temperatures, flooding, drought, and changing rainfall patterns are exacerbating food insecurity, malnutrition, and the spread of water-borne and vector-borne diseases in Nigeria.
To combat this, the FCDO-funded Lafiya program is supporting 21 states in Nigeria to develop Health State Adaptation Plans (HSAPs), a crucial step towards building climate-resilient health systems.
Recently, a workshop was convened to strengthen understanding of the climate-health nexus, guide states on domesticating the National Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP), and promote multisectoral engagement and coordination.
The workshop brought together state representatives, who gained clearer insight into the links between climate change and public health impacts. Participants were trained on guidelines and processes for developing state-specific HSAPs, including the use of a menu of adaptation options. Each participating state produced a preliminary roadmap to guide the drafting of its HSAPs.
The FCDO’s support for climate change initiatives in Nigeria is a testament to its commitment to global health security.
Through the Lafiya program, the UK government is working closely with the Nigerian government to build climate-resilient health systems, enhance emergency preparedness, and strengthen health infrastructure.
“This initiative is a critical step towards protecting the health and well-being of Nigerians, particularly vulnerable populations, from the impacts of climate change,” said a representative from the FCDO.
“We are proud to partner with the Nigerian government to address this pressing issue and look forward to continued collaboration.”
The workshop reinforced the need for a whole-of-government approach, engaging sectors such as Environment, Agriculture, Water Resources, and Planning. State participants expressed appreciation for Lafiya’s early and strategic involvement in advancing climate-health adaptation at the state level.
As Nigeria takes bold steps towards climate-resilient health systems, the FCDO remains committed to supporting the country’s efforts to address the climate crisis and protect the health of its citizens.
