The Borno State Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Ministry for Environment and UK FCCD Lafiya Program, conducted a one-day workshop focusing on the effects of climate change on health. The initiative aimed to enhance awareness among health workers and environmentalists about the health implications of climate change, particularly after the recent flooding in Maiduguri. Key speakers emphasized the need for public education, preventive strategies, and community engagement to mitigate health risks associated with environmental changes.
The Borno State Ministry of Health, alongside the Ministry for Environment and the UK FCCD Lafiya Program, orchestrated a one-day workshop aimed at enhancing awareness regarding the effects of climate change on health. The objective of this workshop was to inform stakeholders including health professionals, specialists, and environmental advocates about the detrimental health consequences associated with climate change and to explore preventive measures. Dr. Langana Bukar, the Director General of the LAFIYA Project, remarked on the timeliness of this initiative, especially in light of the recent flood disaster in Maiduguri, which was attributed to climate change. He highlighted the lack of awareness among the populace concerning the intricate relationship between climate change and public health. “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,” Dr. Bukar stated. He further elucidated that climate change adversely affects the environment, leading to the emission of harmful substances such as fluorochlorocarbons and carbon dioxide, which contribute to various cardiovascular diseases. Ambassador Usman Aliyu, the Director General of the Borno State Green Wall Agency, elaborated on the critical components of the environment: physical, biological, and socioeconomic. He warned against the utilization of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agricultural practices, elucidating the long-term consequences on soil fertility, groundwater quality, and the proliferation of 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, gastro disease, among others,” he asserted. The workshop underscored the necessity of public awareness campaigns, comprehensive training, and the execution of strategic interventions aimed at mitigating the health impacts of climate change. Participants were encouraged to disseminate the knowledge acquired during the workshop to their respective communities. This initiative is imperative in tackling the repercussions of climate change on health, particularly in the wake of prevalent flood disasters. Through heightened awareness and proactive strategies, the pathway toward a healthier and more sustainable environment can be fostered.
The Borno State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry for Environment and UK FCCD Lafiya Program, organized a workshop to address the pressing issues of climate change and its impact on public health. The event was a direct response to the recent flood disaster in Maiduguri, which underscored the urgent need for stakeholders to understand the intricate link between environmental changes and health outcomes. This initiative aims to equip health workers and environmental advocates with the knowledge to mitigate health risks stemming from climate change, emphasizing the necessity for community outreach and education on these critical issues.
In conclusion, the Borno State workshop represents a significant step in raising awareness about the health ramifications of climate change. The direct statements from experts highlight the pressing need for prevention strategies and public education regarding the environmental determinants of health. Stakeholders are called upon to utilize the knowledge gained to positively impact their communities, particularly in light of recent ecological disasters. By enhancing awareness and implementing effective strategies, there is potential to foster a healthier environment amidst the challenges posed by climate change.
Original Source: www.nationalaccordnewspaper.com
