Climate Change: Experts Worried Over Rising Health Concerns In African Urban Centres

Adebayo Obajemu 

Climate change is increasingly recognised as a major public health concern across Africa, particularly in rapidly growing urban centres. Health experts and policy leaders are drawing attention to the relationship between environmental change, population growth, and infectious disease, warning that the health implications could be significant if proactive measures are not taken.

This formed the focus of the first Distinguished Lecture of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun, delivered recently by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola.

In her lecture, Ogunsola explained that climate change must now be understood not only as an environmental issue, but also as a public health challenge with direct consequences for urban populations. She noted that rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and extreme weather events are already affecting communities across Africa. These changes, she said, influence water supply, sanitation, food production, and living conditions, all of which play critical roles in determining health outcomes.

She added: “Africa’s cities are expanding rapidly as people move in search of economic opportunity, education, and improved living standards. This population growth has placed pressure on housing, water supply, waste management, and healthcare services. In many cases, infrastructure development has not kept pace with population increase, resulting in overcrowded settlements and limited access to basic services.

“These conditions create environments where infectious diseases can spread more easily. Limited sanitation, unsafe water sources, and overcrowded housing increase exposure to disease causing organisms. Climate related disruptions further increase these risks by affecting the stability and availability of essential services.

“Changes in rainfall patterns are among the most noticeable effects of climate change. Some areas experience prolonged dry periods, while others face heavy rainfall and flooding. Flooding can damage sanitation systems and contaminate water sources, increasing the risk of diarrhoeal diseases and other infections.

“Water scarcity also presents serious challenges. During drought periods, reduced water availability can limit hygiene practices and force communities to rely on unsafe sources. This increases exposure to waterborne diseases and affects overall health conditions.”

Ogunsola also noted that temperature increases have additional implications, adding that urban environments tend to retain heat due to dense construction and limited vegetation.

According to her, this creates warmer conditions that affect human health and influence the survival and reproduction of disease carrying organisms.

She added: “Mosquito borne diseases are particularly sensitive to environmental conditions. Warmer temperatures and increased rainfall can expand mosquito habitats and extend transmission seasons. This increases the risk of diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and chikungunya, which remain major public health concerns in many African countries.

“Air quality is another important factor. Urban growth is often accompanied by increased use of vehicles, generators, and domestic fuel sources. These contribute to air pollution, which damages the respiratory system and increases vulnerability to infections such as pneumonia and influenza.

“Environmental conditions also affect food production. Changes in rainfall and temperature can reduce agricultural yields, leading to food shortages and increased food prices. Poor nutrition weakens the immune system and increases susceptibility to disease, particularly among children and vulnerable populations.”

Ogunsola stated that in addition to infectious diseases, climate change contributes to a wider range of health risks, pointing out that heat exposure can increase the incidence of heat related illness, while air pollution contributes to respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

“These combined effects place additional pressure on healthcare systems,” she noted.

She also said that climate related events such as floods and storms can disrupt access to healthcare services.

“Damage to roads, health facilities, and power supply can prevent people from receiving timely treatment. Displacement caused by environmental disasters can also increase disease transmission due to overcrowding and limited sanitation.”

Ogunsola explained that these challenges are closely linked to patterns of urban development, stressing that rapid urban growth without adequate planning can increase vulnerability to environmental hazards and health risks.

Zeroing in on Nigeria, Ogunsola asserted that the country reflects many of these trends, adding: “Its population continues to grow rapidly, with increasing numbers living in urban areas. Cities such as Lagos face significant challenges related to housing, sanitation, water supply, and waste management.

“Informal settlements are particularly vulnerable. Residents often lack access to clean water, proper sanitation, and adequate housing. These conditions increase the risk of infectious disease, especially during periods of flooding or water shortage.

“Coastal cities face additional risks due to rising sea levels. Flooding and coastal erosion can damage infrastructure and contaminate water supplies. This increases the likelihood of disease outbreaks and affects long term urban stability.”

Pointing to other health challenges linked to climate change, Ogunsola said: “Climate change also influences the distribution of disease carrying organisms. Changes in temperature and rainfall can alter the habitats of mosquitoes and other vectors, allowing diseases to spread into new areas.

“Environmental disruption may also increase the risk of zoonotic diseases, which are transmitted between animals and humans. Changes in land use and habitat conditions can increase contact between human populations and wildlife, creating opportunities for disease transmission.

“Air pollution remains a major concern in urban areas. Emissions from transport, electricity generation, and domestic fuel use contribute to poor air quality. Exposure to polluted air weakens respiratory defence systems and increases vulnerability to infection.”

She submitted that health care systems face growing pressure as a result of these combined challenges, emphasising that increased disease burden, population growth, and environmental disruption require stronger and more resilient health services.

She called for disease surveillance, pointing out that it plays an important role in protecting public health.

She added: “Early detection of outbreaks allows faster response and helps prevent wider spread. Strengthening surveillance systems improves preparedness and response capacity.

“Infrastructure development is equally important. Reliable water supply, effective sanitation systems, and proper waste management reduce disease risk and improve health outcomes.

“Urban planning can help reduce environmental health risks. Expanding green spaces improves air quality and reduces heat levels. Proper drainage systems reduce flooding and protect water sources.

“Access to healthcare services is essential for improving health outcomes. Ensuring that healthcare facilities are available and accessible allows timely diagnosis and treatment of disease.

“Public education also plays an important role. Providing communities with information about hygiene, sanitation, and disease prevention helps reduce exposure and improves overall health conditions.

“Technology can support public health efforts. Digital systems allow better monitoring of disease trends and improve response coordination. Early warning systems help communities prepare for extreme weather events.

“Policy coordination is essential for addressing the links between climate change and health. Integrating climate considerations into health planning helps ensure effective and sustainable responses.

“Investment in climate resilient infrastructure provides long term benefits. Strengthening water systems, improving housing, and protecting environmental resources reduce vulnerability and improve public health.

“Regional cooperation also supports effective response. Sharing knowledge, research, and resources allows countries to address shared challenges more effectively.”

Ogunsola stressed that climate change is already affecting health conditions, adding that proactive planning is necessary to reduce future risks. She noted that addressing environmental health challenges requires coordinated action across sectors.

While canvassing long-term planning to address the challenges, Ogunsola said: “Africa’s growing urban population presents both challenges and opportunities. While rapid growth increases pressure on infrastructure and services, it also provides opportunities to implement improved planning and development strategies.

“Strengthening urban health systems will be essential in protecting population health. Investment in infrastructure, healthcare, and environmental protection can reduce risks and improve resilience.

“The relationship between climate change and health highlights the importance of long term planning. Integrating health considerations into environmental and urban planning supports sustainable development.

“Experts emphasise that action taken now will determine future health outcomes. Strengthening infrastructure, improving healthcare access, and addressing environmental risks can protect communities and support economic stability.”

The lecture highlighted the need for continued attention to the health impacts of climate change. Thus, as African cities continue to grow, coordinated efforts will be essential to ensure that urban development supports both environmental sustainability and public health.