Why doctors should embrace climate centric innovation - Dr. Salako

Dr Iziaq Salako

Minister of State for the Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako

By Adejoke Adeleye

In a compelling address at the Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the National Association of Resident Doctors, Dr Iziaq Kunle Salako, Minister of State for the Environment, on Friday underscored the indispensable role of resident doctors in modern healthcare.

The event was held at Doctor’s House in Abeokuta. The conference highlighted the critical need for resilience in the health workforce, particularly in the face of escalating climate change impacts.

Dr. Salako emphasized that resident doctors are the backbone of specialized medical services, ensuring the optimal functioning of teaching and specialist hospitals.

He lauded their contributions, stating, “You are the lubricants that keep the engine of specialized medical services running in our country and indeed all over the world.”

The minister pointed out that building resilience is essential for all health workers, especially doctors who often make final clinical decisions.

He cited USAID’s definition of resilience as the ability of a health system to mitigate, adapt to, and recover from shocks and stresses.

This resilience is increasingly tested by pandemics, man-made disasters, and extreme weather events driven by climate change.

Dr. Salako highlighted the alarming frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as severe flooding, large storms, record-breaking heat waves, and long droughts.

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He noted that scientists have conclusively linked these events to climate change caused by global warming.

“In 2024, these weather extremes appear to be occurring at an unprecedented level, with many climate scientists unable to recall such a scale of climate disasters and human suffering,” he remarked.

The minister warned that the trajectory of climate change poses an existential threat to humanity, sustainable development, and planetary health, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the overall health costs of climate change are projected to escalate significantly, potentially reaching $69 trillion by 2100 for a 2°C increase in global temperatures.

Dr. Salako called for the strengthening of the health system to mitigate and adapt to these challenges.

He outlined the shifting disease patterns, including increased incidences of respiratory diseases, heat-related illnesses, heart diseases, and vector-borne diseases like malaria.

He also noted the rise in water and food-related illnesses and the direct impact of climate change on injuries, deaths, violent crime, and mental health.

In conclusion, Dr. Salako stressed the urgent need for a resilient health workforce to ensure the continuation and upscaling of vital healthcare services during disruptive events.

He urged the National Association of Resident Doctors to lead the charge in embracing climate-centric innovations to safeguard the health of the nation.

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