Director General of NiMet, says leveraging early warning systems for climate-sensitive diseases and public health threats is of vital importance.
He also says technology can address societal problems, citing Nigeria Centre for Disease Control’s COVID pandemic successes.
Prof. Charles Anosike exchanged views with Dr. Olajide Idris, NCDC’s Director General, during a courtesy visit to NiMet headquarters.
The meeting covered issues like collaboration on early warning systems for climate-sensitive diseases and public health threats.
Both agencies discussed integrating climate data into disease prediction models to enhance public health outcomes.
Weather and climate significantly impact disease outbreaks, especially vector-borne and water-borne diseases linked to climate change.
They proposed creating a framework for regular data exchange and analysis to inform health decisions effectively.
Dr. Idris emphasized the importance of partnering with NiMet, given climate change’s effects on global health services.
“NCDC and NiMet have worked together before; now, we must strengthen that collaboration,” Dr. Idris noted.
Prof. Anosike agreed, affirming NiMet’s readiness to develop a draft MoU to formalize the collaboration.
NiMet’s seasonal climate prediction provides an early warning tool for states to manage climate-induced health risks.
Climate change is multiplying health threats, affecting food, water, and air quality, thus spreading pests and diseases.
