Urgent Health Challenges in Nigeria: Lithium Mining, Donkey Trading and Flooding

The emergence of health security threats in Nigeria, particularly in the areas of lithium mining, yearly flooding, and donkey trading, has raised concerns among experts. Professor Kabiru Junaid, the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, emphasized the need for a one-health approach to address these challenges before they escalate and pose a significant risk to the country’s social, economic, and public health sectors.

During the 3rd Ibadan Public Health Conference themed “One Earth, One Life, One Health” at the University of Ibadan, Professor Junaid drew attention to the potential consequences of these emerging issues. He highlighted the link between yearly flooding and the reoccurrence of anthrax and other diseases in different parts of the world. In Nigeria, the recent cases of anthrax threat have raised concerns about the possible connection to the 2020 flooding.

In addition to anthrax, Professor Junaid mentioned leptospirosis and cholera as other diseases associated with flooding. He also expressed concerns about the proliferation of mining activities in Nigeria, particularly the aggressive mining of lithium. The potential contamination of water sources and the release of harmful gaseous emissions due to mining activities pose serious health risks to humans, animals, and the environment.

Furthermore, the trading of donkeys in Africa, where the animals are slaughtered for their skins, has raised alarm due to the transmission of infections such as brucellosis and leptospirosis to humans. The importation of donkeys from other countries also poses a risk of introducing severe animal diseases like influenza, emphasizing the need to regulate or halt this trade to protect both animal populations and human health.

In response to these challenges, the 3rd Ibadan Public Health Conference aimed to engage various stakeholders, including professionals and scholars, to share experiences, mentor upcoming scholars, and foster new collaborations. The vice chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adewole, stressed the importance of maintaining healthy relationships with both humans and animals for the overall well-being of the nation.

Furthermore, representatives from prominent organizations such as the World Health Organisation, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the Food Basket Foundations, and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) pledged increased collaboration with the federal government to address and mitigate these health threats and ensure the maximum health and safety of Nigerians, animals, and the environment.

In conclusion, the urgent need for a holistic approach to tackle the emerging health security challenges in Nigeria has become evident. The collaboration between various stakeholders and governmental agencies is crucial in addressing these issues and safeguarding the nation’s health and well-being. By recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, Nigeria can work towards creating a safer and healthier future for all.