Health
Excessive heat raises risk of pregnancy complications, expert warns
By Patrick Odey
A medical physiologist in Akwa Ibom State, Dr Michael Okon, has expressed concern over the increasing heat being experienced across the country due to climate change, warning that excessive heat increases the risk of pregnancy complications among women.
Okon raised the concern at Afaha Etok Village Hall, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, during a seminar organised by the Global Greengrants Fund and Oilwatch Africa, on Saturday, in collaboration with Shepriesthood International Ministry Incorporated.
The seminar, themed “Women for Climate Justice: Strengthening Grassroots Resistance to Extractive Activities in Africa,” was organised to enlighten women in Akwa Ibom on the impact of climate change and its effects.
Speaking on the topic, “Climate Change, Nigeria’s Natural Resources, and Women’s Health: Why It Matters to Our Communities,” the medical practitioner highlighted the impact of climate change, particularly on women.
According to him, women are more vulnerable to the effects of climate change because of their responsibilities, including growing food, fetching water, gathering firewood, preparing meals, caring for children and elderly family members, and supporting household income through farming or small businesses.
He said women who spend long hours farming, trading in open markets, and cooking with firewood face greater risks of dehydration, exhaustion, and heat stroke.
“In many Nigerian communities, women are responsible for growing food, fetching water, gathering firewood, preparing meals, caring for children, caring for elderly family members, and supporting household income through farming or small businesses.
“When climate change causes drought, flooding, or poor harvests, women are usually the first to feel its effects because their daily responsibilities become much more difficult.
“This is not because women are weaker than men, but because they often carry greater caregiving responsibilities while having fewer financial resources and less access to land, education, and healthcare.
“Nigeria is experiencing increasing temperatures. Women who spend long hours farming, trading in open markets, cooking over firewood, or walking long distances under the sun are at greater risk of dehydration, exhaustion, headaches, and heat stroke. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable because excessive heat increases the risk of pregnancy complications,” Okon said.
He called on the government to implement stronger environmental regulations, including measures to reduce gas flaring, protect forests, and invest in renewable energy to mitigate the impact of climate change.
“Government must enforce stronger environmental regulations, reduce gas flaring, protect forests, and invest in renewable energy,” Okon added.
In her welcome address, the President of Shepriesthood International Ministry Incorporated, Arc. Bishop Emilia Samuel, said the seminar was organised to empower women with the knowledge needed to understand climate change and contribute positively to environmental protection.
“The essence of this programme is to help women understand the effects of climate change and how to prevent them. If we are dumping waste in gutters, we should stop. If we are building or farming on waterways and canals, we should stop. We should also enlighten others who are not here on ways we can preserve our environment,” she said.
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