Climate Change, Deforestation Fuel Disease Risks, Says Lagos Commissioner

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has linked the rising threat of infectious diseases to environmental factors including climate change, deforestation, and ecological disruption, warning that these pressures are driving rodents and other wildlife closer to human settlements while also pushing people deeper into natural habitats.

Speaking on the state’s new public health campaign, Abayomi outlined how shrinking ecosystems and changing weather patterns are increasing the likelihood of zoonotic disease spillovers – where pathogens jump from animals to humans.

To counter these growing risks, the commissioner said Lagos has strengthened its preparedness architecture. Key measures include a 24-hour Emergency Operations Centre, enhanced disease surveillance systems, the deployment of digital health tools, and continuous training for healthcare workers in biosecurity and infection prevention.

“Preparedness is not a panic response. It is leadership,” Abayomi said.

He explained that the state’s strategy prioritises early detection, rapid isolation, and effective case management – all aimed at preventing outbreaks before they escalate into full-blown emergencies.

Public Urged to Remain Vigilant

Reassuring residents, the commissioner called for calm but vigilance. He noted that Lagos is working closely with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Federal Ministry of Health, and other partners, including the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, to strengthen response systems and raise public awareness.

The newly launched campaign, according to Abayomi, will focus on educating residents, updating healthcare professionals on case management and infection prevention protocols, and equipping communities with the knowledge needed to reduce transmission risks and respond effectively to any potential outbreaks.