NiMet, NCDC Strengthen Partnership to Combat Climate-Sensitive Health Threats
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) are charting new ways to deepen collaboration in tackling public health threats influenced by climate change.
This was revealed during a courtesy visit by Dr. Olajide Idris, Director General of the NCDC, to Prof. Charles Anosike, Director General of NiMet, on Tuesday.
During the meeting, the two heads of agencies discussed potential areas of collaboration, focusing on how early warning systems for climate-sensitive diseases and the integration of climate data into disease prediction models can strengthen Nigeria’s public health response.
They also explored the impact of weather and climate on disease outbreaks, such as vector-borne and water-borne diseases, and stressed the need for continuous data exchange between the agencies.
Prof. Anosike commended the NCDC’s success in leveraging technology during the COVID-19 pandemic, stating that the agency’s achievements demonstrated the potential of technology in addressing societal problems.
“The NCDC’s use of technology during the pandemic showcased how digital tools can help solve complex societal challenges. We can apply similar technological approaches to tackle other public health issues exacerbated by climate change,” Anosike said.
Dr. Idris highlighted the urgency of strengthening collaboration between the NCDC and NiMet, particularly as climate change continues to affect healthcare delivery in Nigeria and globally.
“NiMet has been a valuable partner for years, but with the increasing impact of climate change, it is essential that we reinforce our collaboration,” he noted.
The agencies discussed the possibility of establishing a formal framework for regular data exchange and joint research to inform public health decisions.
A proposal for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is expected to be drafted, allowing the agencies to share climate and health data seamlessly.
Prof. Anosike reiterated NiMet’s commitment to supporting the NCDC with real-time climate data, stressing the importance of preparedness in managing the consequences of climate change.
“Every year, NiMet releases its Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), which serves as an early warning tool for various sectors.
The weather patterns and potential challenges we are seeing now were predicted. We provide forecasts ranging from three days to three months, which help mitigate the risks posed by climate change,” he noted.
Addressing the growing threats posed by climate change, Prof. Anosike emphasised that climate change affects all aspects of life, from food security to the air we breathe.
“The spread of pests and diseases is compounded by the shifts in climate patterns. Strengthening our partnership with the NCDC is not just timely but critical for safeguarding public health in Nigeria,” he concluded.
Both NiMet and NCDC agreed that the proposed MoU would mark a significant step forward in building resilience against climate-sensitive diseases, ensuring that the nation is better equipped to manage the impact of climate change on health.
