For better fortification of the nation’s health ecosystem, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) are forging a strategic partnership which will see the integration of climate data in public health systems.
The move was inspired by NCDC’s technological successes during the COVID-19 pandemic as remarked by NiMET’s Director General, Prof Charles Anosike, who noted that the agency’s use of technology demonstrated its potential to solve complex societal challenges in Nigeria.
Anosike, while speaking on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, during a meeting with Dr. Olajide Idris, the Director General of NCDC, who paid him a courtesy visit harped on the need for a closer collaboration.
Key areas are; early warning systems for climate-sensitive diseases, the intersection of weather patterns and disease outbreaks and the development of a framework for regular data exchange to inform public health decisions.
Idris emphasised the importance of the partnership, especially as climate change increasingly affects health service delivery both in Nigeria and globally.
“Given NiMet’s expertise and data on climate change, this partnership is essential. While NiMet and NCDC have worked together in the past, now is the time to reinforce and expand that collaboration,” he said.
Professor Anosike corroborated Idris, noting that the collaboration was timely.
His words; “We are all vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. NiMet will explore the areas identified for cooperation, including data sharing and the development of a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
“Our Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) serves as an early warning tool, providing forecasts ranging from daily updates to three-month outlooks. Climate change is no longer a distant threat; its impacts are felt nationwide, and we urge each state to establish its own mechanisms to manage the challenges, such as flooding.”
Anosike further stressed that the partnership with NCDC was crucial to addressing the growing health risks posed by climate change.
“Climate change threatens our health and well-being, affecting everything from food and water to air quality. It has led to the spread of pests and diseases worldwide, and the risks are only multiplying. Strengthening our collaboration is essential to address these compounded threats,” he stated.
