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Written question asked by Ruth Jones (Labour) on Tuesday, 19 July 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 July 2022. It was answered by Vicky Ford (Conservative) on Tuesday, 26 July 2022 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Nigeria: Health

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she is taking steps to address the impact of rising temperatures and air pollution on maternal health in Nigeria.

Answer

Climate change and exposure to air pollution, caused through the effects of desertification, excessive deforestation, poor public waste management and bush burning, are major health risks for the population of Nigeria. Within this context, a robust and sustainable health system is crucial to provide access to essential healthcare, including lifesaving maternal and child health services.

As part of our Presidency of COP26, the UK developed and is delivering the COP26 Health Programme, which aims to enable transformational change in health systems globally that protects both people and the planet. Under this programme, Nigeria made an ambitious commitment to build a climate-resilient and low-carbon sustainable health system. This includes a plan to achieve net carbon zero and to minimise human exposure to air pollution by 2035. Through our core voluntary contribution to the World Health Organization and The Global Fund, the UK is now supporting Nigeria's Ministry of Health to design and develop a climate resilient health strategy that includes management of medical waste and use of renewable energy at primary health care facilities for maternal and newborn services.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
40001
Session
2022-23
Subjects
Air pollution Health Mothers Temperature Nigeria
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk