The Nasarawa State Ministry of Health has adopted the Federal Government's Health National Adaptation Plan 2025-2030 to address the effects of climate change on the state's health system. This adoption was disclosed at a one-day stakeholders' validation workshop for the Nasarawa Health State Adaptation Plan held in Lafia on Friday, September 25, 2026. The plan aims to integrate climate adaptation into health policies, programs, and infrastructure development across the country.
According to Dr. Godwin Ewuga, State Desk Officer for Climate Change and Health, climate change has contributed to several health challenges in the state. He stated that climate change affects health through the disruption of health services and injuries and deaths associated with flooding and other disasters. Additionally, climate change has led to the spread of waterborne, foodborne, and vector-borne diseases, including malaria.
Dr. Ewuga further explained that people with pre-existing conditions such as hypertension, heart and kidney diseases, and asthma are more susceptible to heat stress resulting from rising temperatures. He emphasized that the Health State Adaptation Plan is based on evidence of the effects of climate change on the health system and contains intervention plans covering five years. The plan includes evidence of climate impact on health, health infrastructure, and the health system, as well as assigned interventions to address these challenges.
The Permanent Secretary of the Nasarawa State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ibrahim Alhassan, revealed that the document took about 20 months to prepare. He commended the stakeholders from various ministries, departments, and agencies who participated in the validation of the document. The validation exercise involved representatives from the ministries of health, budget and planning, livestock, agriculture, and human capital development, as well as the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, the Renewable Energy Commission, and the Red Cross.
Dr. Peter Attah, Director of Public Health in the state, noted that Nasarawa is among the first 15 states in the country to develop its Health State Adaptation Plan. He stated that the document is ready for approval by the governor and that the ministry will implement it if the necessary approvals are obtained. The adoption of the plan demonstrates the state's commitment to addressing the health impacts of climate change.
The Nasarawa Health State Adaptation Plan is expected to receive attention if approved by the governor. Dr. Ewuga acknowledged the contributions of stakeholders who participated in the validation of the document. The plan's implementation will help address the health challenges posed by climate change in the state.
The ministry's efforts to address climate change have been commended by stakeholders. The plan's adoption is a significant step towards integrating climate adaptation into the state's health policies and programs. Key aspects of the plan include evidence-based interventions and a five-year implementation plan.
Key points
- The Nasarawa State Ministry of Health has adopted the Federal Government's Health National Adaptation Plan 2025-2030.
- Climate change has contributed to several health challenges in the state, including the spread of waterborne and vector-borne diseases.
- The Health State Adaptation Plan contains intervention plans covering five years to address the health impacts of climate change.
