By Faridat Salifu
The Minister of State for the Environment, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako, has called for urgent climate-centric innovations to strengthen the resilience of the nation’s health workforce.
Salako made the call at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Conference of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) held in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.
In his paper titled “Building a Resilient Health Workforce: Embracing Climate-Centric Innovations,” Dr. Salako underscored the pressing need for the healthcare system to adapt to the mounting challenges posed by climate change.
He lauded the critical role of resident doctors in the health sector, describing them as the “lubricants” that keep Nigeria’s specialized medical services functioning.
However, the minister cautioned that the growing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters, such as floods, heatwaves, and droughts, are pushing the healthcare system to its limits.
“Health systems must mitigate, adapt, and recover from shocks and stresses, and that includes preparing for the impact of climate change,” he noted, referencing a 2023 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), which projected the health costs of climate change could reach up to $69 trillion by 2100.
According to the minister, extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change, are not only increasing the incidence of diseases such as malaria, cholera, and heat-related illnesses, but are also directly causing injuries and deaths.
He also warned that these challenges are leading to a higher demand for acute care services, while also straining the availability of healthcare resources.
Salako emphasized the importance of innovation in adapting to these growing threats. “The healthcare system must adopt climate-resilient innovations to protect public health and maintain continuity of care,” he said, pointing to new medical technologies, climate-resistant infrastructure, and the need for renewable energy in healthcare facilities.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s National Climate Change Policy, which integrates health into the country’s adaptation strategy, and the government’s commitment to linking health outcomes with climate resilience.
Dr. Salako also touched on broader issues affecting the resilience of Nigeria’s health workforce, including industrial disharmony and the mass emigration of healthcare workers seeking better opportunities abroad.
“Frequent strikes and the inability to retain trained professionals weaken the resilience of our health system. We must prioritize job satisfaction and industrial harmony to build a more resilient workforce,” Salako stressed.
He called on healthcare professionals, government agencies, and NGOs to collaborate in “climate-proofing” the health system to safeguard public health in the face of growing climate risks.
“Let us join hands to build the resilience our system needs for the benefit of our people,” he urged.
The event provided a platform for further discussions on the integration of climate adaptation strategies into the healthcare sector, as Nigeria prepares to face the escalating threats posed by climate change.