Climate change has become a critical factor impacting respiratory health, especially in vulnerable regions like Nigeria. This article provides a deeper insight into the C²REST Study, including its goals, mission, and visions. 

The Why Behind the C2REST Nigeria Study

Prior research has shown a lack of understanding of the effects of climate change on health, including those related to the development of and outcomes for respiratory diseases. This lack of understanding affects the deployment of effective responses at both national and local levels.

This is the driving purpose behind the C²REST Study: to illuminate the significant health impacts of climate change on respiratory health in Nigeria, given the rise in air pollution and climate-related stressors. 

The C²REST study seeks to gather critical data to understand how these factors increase respiratory disease risks and develop targeted interventions to combat and protect vulnerable communities.

Climate state and change in Nigeria

According to the United Nations, climate change refers to the long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns. Nigeria is one of the world's most vulnerable countries to climate change, and the effects are already being felt. 

Nigeria faces significant environmental and public health challenges resulting from climate change, such as extreme temperature increases, irregular rainfall patterns, with increased rainfall in coastal areas and decreased rainfall in continental regions, an increase in desertification in the north, an increase in erosion, and extreme weather conditions like drought, floods, thunderstorms, bushfires, a rise in sea levels, and sandstorms.

State of respiratory health in Nigeria

The African Journal of Respiratory Medicine shows that Nigeria has a high prevalence of respiratory illnesses, which is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, not just in Nigeria but in other developing countries as well.

A study shows an estimate of 13 million people in Nigeria have asthma, which is likely to be one of the highest numbers in Africa. The same study revealed that in 2019, 67,416 children under five died from pneumonia related to air pollution, and 49,591 died from household air pollution.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that Nigeria has the fifth highest burden of tuberculosis (TB).  It is estimated that 395,000 cases of TB occurred in Nigeria in 2007 (283 cases per 100,000 population).

Several other studies highlight the state of respiratory health in Nigeria and the significant challenges she faces due to high levels of air pollution, including emissions from vehicles, industrial activities, and dust from desertification. 

These factors, compounded by limited access to healthcare, have led to a rising prevalence of respiratory diseases, affecting vulnerable populations like Nigeria the most.

Understanding the link between climate change and respiratory health in Nigeria

 Growing up, we were taught that we breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide (Co2). But it doesn't end there. The lungs absorb oxygen from the air and transfer it into the bodies, allowing them to work properly. 

However, when you breathe in polluted air, harmful particles and gases travel to your lungs, causing inflammation, preventing the blood from absorbing oxygen, difficulty breathing, and other respiratory challenges.

This polluted air is caused by climate change and other environmental conditions, such as intense heat waves, particles in the air caused by droughts and dust, and several other adverse weather conditions.

The environmental shifts in Nigeria worsen respiratory conditions, particularly in urban areas with high pollution levels. The C²REST Study highlights this connection and aims to reduce health risks tied to climate change's local impacts.

Goals, mission, and vision

From 1st February 2024, over a three-year period, we will conduct studies in Lagos and Ogun States to investigate the impact of climate change on respiratory health. Our research will involve:

• Conducting a population-based survey to gather data on air pollution exposure and respiratory health.

• Interviewing community members to assess their knowledge of climate change and their coping strategies.

• Developing solutions tailored towards mitigating local climate, environmental, and health challenges.

• Collaborating with stakeholders to propose actions that can be applied throughout Nigeria, benefiting people of all demographics.

Research Team:

• Davies Adeloye (co-Principal Investigator, (coPI), Associate Professor of Public Health, Teesside University, provides expertise in epidemiology and public health research.

• Obianuju Ozoh (coPI), Associate Professor of Medicine and Consultant Pulmonologist, University of Lagos, brings specialised knowledge in respiratory health and qualitative research.

• Faatihah Niyi-Odumosu (co-investigator, coI), Associate Professor of Physical Activity, Health & Well-being at the University of the West of England, Bristol, contributes insights into health promotion and advocacy.

• Boni Maxime Ale (coI), a Medical Doctor and Biostatistician with vast experience in clinical research across Africa, oversees data management and data analysis.

• Olayemi Akinnola (coI), Professor of Microbiology, and Alexander Iseolorunkanmi (coI), General Practitioner, both from Covenant University, provide key expertise in clinical and biological sciences.

Our work aims to reduce the adverse respiratory health effects of climate change and provide evidence-based recommendations relevant to the Nigerian population.

Conclusion

The C2REST Study is a pioneering initiative sponsored by the Medical Research Foundation UK, and backed by a strong team of researchers. Through its research and findings, the initiative aims to provide invaluable insights and a step towards combating climate-related respiratory health issues in Nigeria, creating a long-lasting change, and advancing respiratory health and climate resilience in Nigeria.