Climate Change Implication on Airborne Infections: Roadmap for Nigeria’s Health Sector Development

Abstract

Airborne diseases also termed as droplets infection are those diseases that are caused by pathogenic microbial agents which get discharged through coughing, sneezing, laughing, or through close personal contact. And it is well-known that the health of a population, if it is to be sustained, requires clean air, safe water, adequate food, tolerable temperature, stable climate, and high levels of biodiversity. This chapter states that climate change has become a great challenge to our generation and its impact is felt in almost every society in the world. It alters temperature, air movement, and precipitation in various ways and to varying degrees across Nigeria with consequences on human health. Nigeria, as a developing country, is vulnerable and has low coping capability. This vulnerability is due in part to existing problems of poverty, weak institutions, and armed conflict, which limit a population’s capacity to deal with the additional health challenges posed by climate change. It therefore posit that addressing the health aspects of climate change need not depend on the federal government; it can happen at the level of cities, states, local governments, businesses or institutions, as well as through collaborations.