The Nigerian Meteorological (NiMet) Agency signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Tuesday in Abuja with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and Prevention on data sharing and information exchange.
According to a joint statement from both agencies, the primary goal is to establish a structured framework for data sharing and collaboration to enhance situational awareness, particularly for climate-sensitive diseases like cholera and malaria.
The statement highlighted that the partnership would also assist in correlating climate patterns with disease outbreaks, enabling improved predictive models and risk assessments.
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, described the MoU initially set for four years with provisions for renewal upon mutual agreement as a significant achievement for both agencies.
He emphasized that changing weather patterns continuously pose threats and serious challenges to health and well-being.
“Climate change is the most impactful threat to our health. This partnership with the NCDC will allow us to enhance our systems beyond current efforts. It is an important collaboration to strengthen preparedness and response to climate-related disasters.
“These elements are key components of the United Nations’ early warning system initiative. Investing in this area is essential to protect all citizens from climate-related risks,” Anosike stated.
In his remarks, the Director General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, noted that the collaboration with NiMet marks the beginning of a data, expertise, and resource-sharing initiative that will help the NCDC monitor climatic and disease issues more effectively.
“This collaboration will strengthen our ability to prevent and respond to public health threats in Nigeria. It will not only enhance cooperation between the NCDC and NiMet but also provide benefits across Nigeria.
“We will continue this journey towards a healthier and climate-resilient Nigeria,” Idris said.
The NiMet and NCDC partnership is expected to bring about benefits such as improved disease preparedness and response through timely climate and health data, enhanced prediction of outbreaks based on climate indicators, and strengthened institutional capacity for both NiMet and NCDC, all of which will support public health and resilience to climate change impacts in Nigeria.
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