Oyo State establishes technical group to tackle climate-related health risks

The Oyo State Government has inaugurated a Technical Working Group (TWG) on Climate and Health to enhance the state’s ability to manage public health challenges driven by climate change. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Health, aims to strengthen preparedness and response to risks such as rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, flooding, and droughts.

Commissioner for Health Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi noted that climate change is now a direct public health threat, contributing to heat-related illnesses, respiratory conditions, food insecurity, and the spread of vector- and water-borne diseases. The TWG is a multi-sectoral body that includes representatives from various government ministries, technical experts, academia, and development partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

The group is tasked with providing technical guidance for risk assessment, coordinated planning, and evidence generation. It will also work to integrate climate considerations into health policies and ensure that essential health services remain continuous during climate-related emergencies.