In Niger, a country in Africa's Sahel area, the devastating impact of climate change on health is becoming more apparent.
Rising temperatures and more frequent heat waves are
negatively impacting Niger's population health. The consequences are dire, with
an increase in heat-related illnesses and, sadly, a spike in fatality rates. Therefore, without prompt adaption efforts, the persistent heat threatens to take many
lives. This concern is particularly acute for vulnerable groups such as the
elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Furthermore,
exposure to floods and other extreme occurrences exacerbates Niger's health
concerns. The heightened risk of despair and anxiety, especially among people
with prior mental health issues, necessitates a caring and personalized
treatment.
Changing rainfall patterns, desertification, and vegetation loss all have an impact on the region's food security and malnutrition rates. Droughts have increased in frequency and severity, affecting crop output and livestock productivity. This worsens hunger and malnutrition, disproportionately affecting infants and children. Climate change is also altering the geographic range and transmission patterns of vector-borne diseases like malaria in Niger.
As climate change worsens, water scarcity and contamination become more prevalent, raising the danger of water-borne diseases. Access to potable water is dwindling in rural Sahel regions like Niger due to rising temperatures and evaporation rates, droughts, and flash flooding caused by heavy rains.