FG, NiMet intensify push for climate-resilient health systems
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have strengthened collaboration to address health risks linked to climate variability. At the National Early Warning Services for Health (WISER) workshop, Zakariya Mohammed, Director and Head of the Climate Change and Environmental Health Division at the ministry, said the engagement marked […]
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet)
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have strengthened collaboration to address health risks linked to climate variability.
At the National Early Warning Services for Health (WISER) workshop, Zakariya Mohammed, Director and Head of the Climate Change and Environmental Health Division at the ministry, said the engagement marked a major step toward establishing a fully operational climate-health early warning system in Nigeria.
He noted that improved coordination between climate and health institutions would enhance preparedness and response to climate-related health threats.
Also speaking, Isa Abulkasir, Chief Disaster Risk Reduction Officer and Climate Change Desk Officer at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), underscored the need to integrate health considerations into Nigeria’s climate framework.
He said the country’s updated climate commitments provide an opportunity to deepen inter-agency collaboration.
Abulkasir warned that increasing climate variability is driving respiratory illnesses, water-borne diseases, vector-borne infections, food insecurity and other disaster-related health challenges.
He stressed that inclusive early warning systems and coordinated risk management services are critical to mitigating these risks.
He added that NEMA would continue to leverage climate information and early warning tools to reduce the impact of climate-sensitive diseases and disasters nationwide.
The Head of Health at the British High Commission, Juliet Whitley, said Nigeria is making notable progress in strengthening the resilience of its health sector against extreme weather events.
She reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting systems that enable health authorities to anticipate, prepare for and respond effectively to climate-related emergencies.
NiMet also emphasised that weather and climate intelligence play a vital role in protecting public health.
The agency stressed that closer collaboration among meteorological institutions, health authorities and emergency management bodies would ensure accurate forecasts translate into early action capable of saving lives and reducing health risks.