Doctors have appealed to the Lagos State Government to consider practical interventions, including free drinking-water kiosks and public water points at designated locations to ease the impact of heatwaves on vulnerable residents.
The Medical Guild Chairman, Dr Oluwole Olusanya, said this during a news conference on Monday, as part of activities marking the Guild’s Centenary celebration.
Heatwaves pose a growing threat to public health, particularly in densely populated cities such as Lagos, where high temperatures, humidity, traffic congestion and unreliable electricity can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Olusanya argued that providing such interventions as done by proactive governments in other climes assist to reduce morbidity and mortality from heatwaves.
He advised residents to wear light, breathable clothing, drink water regularly, stay in cool, well-ventilated spaces, limit exposure to direct sunlight, eat balanced meals rich in fruits and vegetables, and get adequate sleep.
Although electricity supply remains a challenge, Olusanya advised households to improve cross-ventilation by opening windows where safe and feasible, while ensuring regular hydration.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified the ongoing, strong El Niño event as a major global public health threat.
El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon involving unusually warm sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
It has often been associated with extreme heat and its effects on people’s health, and even now, it has been projected to cause 31,400 deaths in Nigeria over the next six months.
However, beyond that, El Niño can alter rainfall patterns, affecting farming, water supplies and food prices.
WHO said heat stress could exacerbate underlying illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mental health issues, asthma, and could increase the risk of accidents and transmission of some infectious diseases.
Beyond heat-related concerns, Olusanya said preparedness of Lagos State for infectious disease outbreaks remains a critical public health issue, following reports of Ebola-related developments in Abuja.
He expressed confidence in Lagos State’s capacity to respond, drawing on its experience managing previous outbreaks such as COVID-19 and the 2014 Ebola incident.
He added that the crucial role played by the state in containing the disease attracted international recognition, with Lagos-based health professionals subsequently contributing their expertise to efforts in other affected African countries.
However, Olusanya stressed that past achievements must not lead to complacency.
“Sustained investment in personal protective equipment (PPE), medical supplies, functional facilities, staff training and emergency-response systems remains essential to protect both healthcare workers and the public.
“Continuous surveillance, early detection and effective infection-prevention measures are also necessary to contain any potential spread of infectious diseases,” he said.
He also emphasised that healthcare workers’ welfare is central to an effective health system.
“Beyond salary increases, the Guild is advocating improved working conditions, housing support, mortgage schemes, car loans and other benefits that reflect the demands of medical practice in Lagos.”
He also renewed calls for tax concessions and a Lagos-specific salary adjustment to account for the state’s high cost of living, heavy traffic and rising accommodation costs.
Olusanya warned that inadequate remuneration and poor working conditions continue to contribute to the migration of doctors abroad.
Looking ahead, Olusanya identified artificial intelligence (AI) and digital health systems as important tools for improving healthcare delivery.
He explained that appropriate AI applications could reduce administrative burdens and improve efficiency, while a digital bed-space coordination network could help direct emergency patients to facilities with available capacity, reducing delays in treatment.
Olusanya reaffirmed the Guild’s commitment to working with the Lagos government and residents to build a safer, healthier and more resilient state. (NAN)
