Oyo State Launches Group to Tackle Climate Health Risks

The Oyo State Government inaugurated a Technical Working Group on Climate and Health (TWG) on Wednesday at the Ministry of Health's conference room in Ibadan. Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, the Commissioner for Health, stated that climate change has evolved into a significant public health challenge, impacting residents through heat-related illnesses, flooding, drought, and various diseases.

The TWG comprises representatives from relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), technical experts, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and other partners. Its objectives include providing technical guidance for coordinated planning, risk assessment, and integrating climate considerations into health policies.

Dr Akintunde Ayinde, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, emphasized the need for proactive measures against climate-related emergencies. The group will identify health risks, develop vulnerability profiles, and strengthen disease surveillance systems to enhance the state's resilience to climate impacts.