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Pharm. Chinedu Ekweremadu

Member

Pharm. Chinedu Ekweremadu

Senior Research Fellow

Profile

Pharmacist Chinedu Ekweremadu leads the projects at the intersection of climate change and health. Climate change has significant impacts on human health, and understanding these effects is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change. in the past, Pharmacist Ekweremadu has engaged law makers at the Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives to amend the Climate Change Act to reflect its impact on health security.

*Climate Change and Health: A Brief Overview*
Climate change poses significant risks to human health, including:
1. *Temperature extremes*: Heatwaves, cold snaps, and temperature fluctuations can lead to cardiovascular stress, respiratory issues, and mortality.
2. *Air and water quality*: Climate-related events like wildfires, floods, and droughts can degrade air and water quality, exacerbating respiratory issues and waterborne diseases.
3. *Vector-borne diseases*: Climate change alters the distribution and prevalence of disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes, ticks, and rodents, increasing the risk of diseases like malaria, dengue fever, lassa and Lyme disease
4. *Food security and nutrition*: Climate-related disruptions to agriculture can lead to food insecurity, malnutrition, and related health issues.
5. *Mental health*: Climate-related stress, displacement, and trauma can significantly impact mental health and well-being.

*Key Vulnerable Populations*
1. Children and adolescents*
2. Older adults*
3. Pregnant women*
4. Low-income and marginalized communities*
5. Indigenous populations*
Chinedu has led engagements with Government bodies at State level in Nigeria to have Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies in states such as Enugu, Ebonyi, Plateau and Taraba states.
1. Public health infrastructure development*
2. Early warning systems and emergency preparedness*
3. Climate-resilient healthcare facilities*
4. Sustainable water management*
5. Renewable energy transition*

If the Government at the state and rural level understand the intersections between climate
change and health, we can work towards creating a more resilient and sustainable future for all.