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| Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, at the 2024 Future of Health Conference |
by Ramatu Ada Ochekliye
Every year, I look forward to the Future of Health Conference hosted by the Nigeria Health Watch. I have come to associate the Nigeria Health Watch with excellence as they communicate ideals that promote the health and well-being of Nigerians and dare I say, Africans as a whole.
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| Dr. Jennifer Anyanti, Deputy Managing Director, Strategy, Technical and Growth at SFH |
By Precious Olayinka
At the 2024 Future of Health Conference which was held on October 24, 2024, the Society for Family Health (SFH) hosted a panel session on climate resilience and adolescent sexual and reproductive health in Nigeria. Experts in climate change and reproductive health came together to discuss innovative approaches, address barriers, and explore collaborative opportunities to ensure climate action. These experts include Jane Ogugua, Deputy Project Director for A360 Nigeria Project; Dr. Jennifer Anyanti, Deputy Managing Director, Strategy, Technical and Growth at SFH; Ramatu Iyimoga, Meaningful Adolescent and Youth Engagement Lead for Adolescent 360); Aisha Farida Aminu, Co-founder of Thinkgreen and Abubakar Shuaibu, Founder and CEO of Green Energy Mission Africa.
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| The Fireside Chat at the 2024 Future of Health Youth Pre-Conference |
Nigeria Health Watch hosted a fireside chat at the 2024 Future of Health Youth Pre-Conference which focused on developing holistic climate-resilient solutions. The Fireside Chat was an intimate and engaging session designed to facilitate a deep and meaningful conversation on the critical intersections of climate change and health in Nigeria. It featured panelists who shared their thoughts on the need for infrastructure resilience, human resource preparedness, and the integration of climate and health policies. The discussion also highlighted the importance of youth engagement, mental health considerations, and the role of organic farming and urban gardening in climate adaptation. At the end of the session, the panelists provided actionable steps for young people to get involved, such as becoming climate evangelists, leveraging digital solutions, and seeking funding opportunities.
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| Conversation with a Policymaker at the 2024 Future of Health Youth Pre-Conference |
By Marire Adebanjo
In recent years, Nigeria’s weather patterns have shifted dramatically. Harmattan, once known for its dry, cool air, barely arrives or feels weaker, while the country endures unrelenting heat year-round. These changes are not just natural occurrences: they reflect the impact of human behavior on the environment. Actions like deforestation, carbon emissions from vehicles and industries, and waste mismanagement have disrupted the climate, contributing to hotter temperatures and unpredictable weather. These changes have implications for health, including the emergence or resurgence of infectious disease pathogens and the diseases they carry.
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| Cross-section of participants at the 2024 Future of Health Youth Pre-Conference Hosted by the Nigeria Health Watch |
By Aborah Love
As climate change continues to impact our world, the need for resilient communities has never been more pressing. One critical aspect of this resilience is the intersection of climate change and public health, particularly concerning the spread of infectious diseases. Engaging youth in proactive measures to build climate-resilient communities offers a unique opportunity to harness their energy, creativity, and passion for change.
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Conversation with a Policymaker at the 2024 Future of Health Conference
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Highlights from the Future of Health Youth Pre-Conference 2024
By Cynthia Umeh
The 2024 Future of Health Youth Pre-Conference was a milestone event held under the theme, Amplifying Youth Voices for Climate-Health Action. With climate change increasingly affecting human health, young leaders across Africa are stepping up as key advocates for meaningful change. In Nigeria, where environmental challenges are intertwined with health concerns, the youth have a crucial role in driving initiatives that link climate action with health.
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| Photo by McBarth™ Obeya on Pexels |
By Yecenu Sasetu
I looked forward to the harmattan period as a child growing up in Jos, Plateau state. I wasn’t a fan of the dust but I loved the cold weather because then I got to wear cool jackets and pretend I was abroad. I especially loved December because of the holidays which meant eating, playing and watching Home Alone. It also meant huddling together as a family on the couch under heavy blankets to keep warm.