Bukola Afeni, Esther Salifu
As Nigeria grapples with a devastating heatwave, the country’s children are paying the ultimate price. The relentless temperatures are unleashing a torrent of heat-related illnesses, infectious diseases, and mental health challenges that are stretching the nation’s healthcare system to the breaking point.
For Taiwo Kareem, a mother of two, the heatwave has been a never-ending nightmare.
Her children have fallen victim to the harsh weather conditions, suffering from heat rashes, stomach issues, and relentless purging.
“The weather is very poor, she lamented. My kids have heat rashes all over their bodies, and they’ve been experiencing running stomachs and purging.”
Oluwafunmilayo Joseph, a mother of a six-month-old baby, is also struggling to cope with the effects of the heatwave on her child’s health.
“Since the heat began, my baby cries a lot and hardly sleeps,” she said. “This, in turn, affects my own health as a mother.”
As the heatwave continues to ravage the country, healthcare professionals are sounding the alarm.
A Medical expert at Joseph Ayo Babalola University Medical Centre, Dr Olaoye Olawale warned that climate-related illnesses are on the rise.
“Malaria, respiratory illnesses, waterborne diseases, and mental health challenges are just a few of the illnesses that are affecting Nigerian children,” he said.
A healthcare professional at Ikire mercy Hospital, Nurse Obeata Sarah emphasized the critical role that nurses play in educating parents on how to care for their children during the heatwave.
“Nurses are at the forefront of promoting education, prevention, and early intervention,” she said.
“We must use our expertise and community ties to advocate for policies that protect children’s health.”
As Nigeria’s children continue to bear the brunt of the heatwave, it is clear that urgent action is needed.
The government, healthcare professionals, and parents must work together to address the root causes of this crisis, and ensure that the country’s children are protected from the devastating effects of climate change.
