In recent years, the global discourse on climate change has intensified, and its profound impact on human health is becoming increasingly evident. Nowhere is this more pronounced than in Nigeria, where the nexus between climate change and health poses significant challenges, particularly in the context of diseases like malaria. As we navigate this complex terrain, it is imperative to recognise the critical role that nursing professionals play in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on health outcomes. This is in the spirit of World Malaria Day; an international observance commemorated every year on April 25 and recognises efforts to control malaria globally.

One of the most pressing issues exacerbated by climate change in Nigeria is the endemicity of malaria. Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns create optimal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, the vectors responsible for transmitting the Plasmodium parasite that causes malaria. Consequently, Nigeria bears a disproportionately high burden of malaria cases, with millions of people at risk of infection every year. The ultimate objective of Nigeria’s National Malaria Strategic Plan 2021–2025 is to drastically reduce the number of malaria-related deaths per 1,000 live births to less than 50. As frontline healthcare providers, nurses are at the forefront of efforts to combat this preventable and treatable disease.

The economic ramifications of malaria cannot be overstated. Beyond its toll on human lives, malaria places a significant strain on Nigeria’s healthcare system and economy. The direct costs associated with healthcare expenditures- including diagnosis, treatment, and hospitalisation, and indirect costs, such as loss of productivity and absenteeism from work- exert a heavy toll on individuals, families, and the nation. Additionally, it was projected that the Federal Government would spend about 55 per cent of the yearly recurrent health budget on malaria prevention and control, which was N319.451 billion of the N580.82 billion health budget for 2023. Moreover, the burden of malaria disproportionately affects the most vulnerable segments of society, exacerbating existing health inequities.

Considering these challenges, the development and deployment of effective malaria vaccines represent a promising strategy for reducing the burden of the disease. However, the success of vaccination programmes hinges not only on scientific innovation but also on community engagement, knowledge dissemination, and cultural acceptability. Herein lies an opportunity for nurses to leverage their unique position as the largest healthcare workforce and advocates for health promotion.

Nurses can play a pivotal role in disseminating accurate information about malaria vaccines, dispelling myths, and misconceptions, and fostering community trust in immunisation programmes. By engaging with communities, understanding their beliefs and concerns, and tailoring education and outreach efforts to their specific needs, nurses can enhance vaccine uptake and adherence, thereby maximising the impact of vaccination campaigns.

Furthermore, nurses possess the expertise to provide comprehensive care to individuals affected by malaria, from prevention and early detection to treatment and rehabilitation. Through their holistic approach to patient care, nurses can address not only the physical symptoms of malaria but also the psychosocial and environmental determinants that contribute to its transmission and persistence. By harnessing their expertise, influence, and commitment to health equity, nurses can make a meaningful difference in mitigating the impact of climate change on health outcomes and advancing the well-being of individuals, communities, and the nation.

In advocating policies and initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and climate resilience, nurses can amplify their impact beyond the confines of clinical practice. By collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, engaging in research and advocacy, and championing evidence-based interventions, nurses can effect systemic change and contribute to broader efforts to address the root causes of climate change and its health consequences. To expedite the eradication of malaria, the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016–2030 was created. By 2030, the GTS aims to eradicate malaria in at least 35 countries and reduce the disease’s case incidence and fatality rates globally by at least 90 per cent.

In conclusion, the intersection of health and climate change presents formidable challenges for Nigeria, particularly in the context of malaria endemicity. However, it also presents opportunities for nurses to demonstrate leadership, innovation, and compassion in addressing these challenges. Nurses stand at the forefront of efforts to address the complex interplay between health and climate change. Through advocacy, education, and evidence-based practice, we have the power to drive meaningful change in malaria prevention and control; we can bridge the gap between environmental sustainability and public health, paving the way for a healthier, more resilient future.

Prof. Prisca Adejumo can be reached via [email protected]