Oyo State Forms Climate and Health Technical Group

The Oyo State Government has officially inaugurated the Oyo State Technical Working Group on Climate and Health, a move designed to enhance the state's capacity to manage the escalating public health consequences of climate change. The Ministry of Health spearheaded this initiative, recognizing climate change as a pressing public health issue rather than a distant environmental concern.

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In Oyo State, we are already witnessing some of these effects through rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, flooding and environmental degradation, all of which have implications for the health and well-being of our people.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, highlighted that changing temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events are already contributing to a range of health problems. These include heat-related illnesses, issues stemming from flooding and drought, vector- and water-borne diseases, respiratory conditions, food insecurity, and other health emergencies impacting residents across the state.

The newly formed TWG is a multi-sectoral body that includes representatives from relevant ministries, departments, and agencies, alongside technical experts, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, academic institutions, and other development partners. Its primary mandate is to strengthen the state health sector's capabilities in anticipating, preparing for, and effectively responding to climate-related health risks. Crucially, it will also ensure the continuity of essential health services amidst these challenges.

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The group will strengthen the capacity of the state health sector to anticipate, prepare for and respond effectively to climate-related health risks and ensure the continuity of essential health services.

Dr. Ajetunmobi described the TWG as a vital platform for coordinated planning, technical guidance, risk assessment, and evidence generation. It will support the integration of climate change considerations into health policies, programs, and service delivery throughout Oyo State. Building a climate-resilient health system, she stressed, requires broad collaboration beyond the Ministry of Health, calling for active participation from various government bodies, development partners, academia, civil society, the private sector, and local communities. Members are urged to contribute their expertise to protect the state's population from climate-associated health risks.

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The commissioner emphasised that building a climate-resilient health system required collaboration beyond the Ministry of Health and therefore called for the active participation of relevant MDAs, development partners, academia, civil society organisations, the private sector and communities.