NABHI and the Federal Ministry of Health Unite to Combat Climate Change
History was made on Monday, July 22nd, 2024, at the Federal Ministry of Health in Abuja, Nigeria. After years of dedicated effort, Nurses Across the Borders International (NABHI) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to combat the pressing issue of climate change and its profound impact on public health.
This landmark agreement, a culmination of a journey that began in 2011, signals a significant step forward in Nigeria’s commitment to addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change and healthcare. It formalizes a vital partnership between a leading healthcare NGO and a key government ministry, paving the way for collaborative action to protect the health and well-being of Nigerians.
A Long-Awaited Milestone:
The signing of the MOU represents the culmination of NABHI’s tireless advocacy to integrate public health concerns into climate change policy and action. For years, NABHI has been at the forefront of raising awareness about the health impacts of climate change, particularly emphasizing the vulnerability of populations in Nigeria and across Africa.
This MOU solidifies a joint commitment to address critical areas, including:
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Capacity Building: Training healthcare workers on climate-related health risks and effective adaptation strategies.
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Data Collection and Surveillance: Strengthening systems for monitoring climate-sensitive diseases and health impacts, enabling early warning and informed response.
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Policy Development and Advocacy: Collaborating on policy initiatives that prioritize health in all climate action strategies at the national, state, and local levels.
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Community Engagement: Empowering communities to build resilience to climate change and participate in solutions that safeguard their health.
This video [link to YouTube video] captures the historic MOU signing ceremony, highlighting remarks from NABHI representatives and officials from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
