Osun Govt Inaugurates Climate Change and Health Technical Working Group to Tackle Rising Public Health Risks

The Osun State Government, under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke, has intensified efforts to address the growing challenges of climate change with the inauguration of a Climate Change and Health Technical Working Group. The initiative is designed to tackle the environmental and health impacts of climate change across the state.

The newly inaugurated Technical Working Group comprises representatives from key government ministries, agencies, and development partners, including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Information, Osun State Emergency Management Agency (OSEMA), Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment, the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), among others.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Ministry of Health, Abere, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Isiaka Adekunle, described climate change as a major and immediate public health threat requiring urgent, coordinated action. He noted that climate change is no longer a distant environmental concern but a present danger affecting lives and livelihoods.

Dr. Adekunle explained that erratic rainfall, flooding, drought, and other extreme weather events are becoming increasingly frequent, with far-reaching consequences for human health and the environment. He stressed that the impacts of climate change are both direct and indirect, with vulnerable populations bearing the greatest burden.

He further stated that the health sector has a critical role in anticipating, preparing for, and responding to climate-related challenges. According to him, the government remains committed to building a climate-resilient health system that protects residents, particularly children, pregnant women, the elderly, and low-income communities.

Highlighting the mandate of the Technical Working Group, Dr. Adekunle said it would serve as a platform for coordination, evidence-based planning, multisectoral collaboration, and resource mobilisation. Its core responsibilities include conducting climate and health vulnerability assessments, developing a state climate and health action plan, strengthening surveillance and emergency preparedness systems, building the capacity of health workers and communities, and monitoring progress on climate-related health interventions.

He urged all members and stakeholders to approach the assignment with urgency, innovation, and a strong spirit of collaboration to deliver meaningful outcomes for the people of Osun State.

In goodwill messages, the Executive Secretary of the Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Sina Igbalaye (represented by the Deputy Director of Medical Services, Dr. Akinpelu Ayodele); the Provost, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Osun State University, Professor Sunday Akinde; the State Coordinator of the World Health Organisation, Dr. Ojediran Toyin (represented by Dr. Bitrus); and the NiMet representative, Dr. Omotunde Adesola,  Deputy Director climate change from Ministry of Environment and sanitation,Mr Abimbola Babalola commended the state government for its proactive response to climate change. They also pledged continued collaboration to address climate-related health challenges.

Also speaking, the State Epidemiologist and Climate Change and Health Desk Officer, Dr. Omolola Adeagbo, warned that climate change continues to pose serious threats to both human and environmental health, contributing to outbreaks of cholera and other epidemic-prone diseases. She added that rising temperatures and heat waves are becoming increasingly dangerous, especially for children, the elderly, and outdoor workers.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Akeem Bello, emphasised that extreme weather events, flooding, food insecurity, and the spread of climate-sensitive diseases demand coordinated, multi-sectoral responses. He appreciated stakeholders for their commitment and expressed confidence that their collective expertise would drive practical and effective solutions to the health impacts of climate change in Osun State.