The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have signed an MoU for data sharing and information exchange. This agreement, signed on November 5, 2024, in Abuja, establishes a framework to support enhanced situational awareness for climate-sensitive diseases like cholera and malaria. By correlating climate patterns with disease outbreaks, NiMet and NCDC aim to develop more accurate predictive models and risk assessments.
During the signing ceremony, NiMet’s Director General, Prof. Charles Anosike, highlighted the significance of this achievement. He explained that changing weather patterns pose increasing threats to public health and well-being. “Climate change is the most impactful threat to our health,” Anosike said. He noted that this partnership enables both agencies to enhance their systems beyond current capacities. “This collaboration ensures better preparedness for climate disasters, a key element of the United Nations’ early warning system,” Anosike emphasized.
NCDC’s Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, also expressed optimism about this partnership. He stated that sharing data, expertise, and resources with NiMet will strengthen NCDC’s ability to address climate-related public health threats in Nigeria. “This collaboration not only strengthens ties with NiMet but benefits Nigeria’s entire health landscape,” Idris said. He also remarked that this agreement supports a healthier and climate-resilient Nigeria.
Through this collaboration, NiMet and NCDC expect improved disease preparedness and response via timely climate and health data. The partnership provides for enhanced situational awareness on outbreak prediction abilities based on climate indicators and strengthens institutional capacities for both agencies, contributing to Nigeria’s resilience to climate change impacts.
