The Borno State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry for Environment and the UK FCCD Lafita Program, conducted a workshop aimed at raising awareness of the health implications related to climate change. This event emphasized the importance of stakeholder education in mitigating health risks associated with climate disasters, particularly in light of recent flooding in Maiduguri.
The Borno State Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Ministry for Environment and the UK FCCD Lafita Program, recently held a one-day workshop focused on the critical link between climate change and health impacts. This informative event was designed to enhance stakeholder awareness, including health professionals, specialists, and environmental advocates, regarding the health ramifications of climate change and strategies for prevention. Dr. Langana Bukar, Director General of the LAFIYA Project, emphasized the timeliness of the workshop, particularly in light of the recent flooding in Maiduguri that resulted from climate change. He noted that public understanding of the interconnectedness of climate change and health is limited. “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,” remarked Dr. Bukar. He further explained that climate change adversely affects the environment, leading to the release of harmful substances such as florichorinc and carbon dioxide, which can cause cardiovascular diseases. Also addressing participants, Ambassador Usman Aliyu, Director General of the Borno State Green Wall Agency, underscored the three critical components of the environment: physical, biological, and socioeconomic. He cautioned against the adverse effects of chemical use in agriculture, stating, “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.” The workshop further highlighted the necessity for public awareness campaigns, ongoing training, and effective strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on health. Stakeholders were encouraged to disseminate the knowledge acquired during the workshop to their respective communities. This initiative is vital for addressing the impending health challenges posed by climate change, particularly following recent flood disasters. Promoting awareness and concrete mitigation strategies is essential for fostering a healthier and sustainable environment.
The recent workshop organized by the Borno State Ministry of Health aimed to address the pressing issue of climate change and its significant impacts on health. This event is particularly relevant given the alarming frequency of climate-related disasters, including floods, which have severe implications for public health. By engaging health professionals and environmental experts, the workshop sought to bridge the knowledge gap surrounding the intricate relationships between climate change and health outcomes, emphasizing the need for awareness and proactive measures to combat these challenges.
In summary, the workshop convened by the Borno State authorities serves as a crucial platform for raising awareness about the intersection of climate change and health. Through collective efforts and the dissemination of knowledge, stakeholders can implement strategies to mitigate health risks associated with climate change, thereby fostering a more sustainable and healthier environment for the community. It is imperative that these discussions continue and translate into actionable steps at the local level to effectively tackle the challenges ahead.
Original Source: www.nationalaccordnewspaper.com
