SOFPON canvass more utilisation of clean, affordable energy in Nigeria

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria (SOFPON) has advocated for more utilisation of clean affordable energy to mitigate the effects of carbon emission in Nigeria.

Chairman of SOFPON in Oyo State, Dr Olufemi Okedare, stated this while briefing newsmen on the activities lined up by the association to mark the 2024 World Family Doctor Day, in Ibadan.

Okedare said that Nigeria needed to utilise more of clean energy (hydro power, solar power and wheel power) and make it affordable to the populace.

He also stressed the need for the country to avoid the use of fossil fuels and combustion engines and use more of solar and wind energy.

According to him, Nigeria needs to avoid non-biodegradable pollution of the environment and encourage recycling of non-biodegradable wastes like plastic bottles and nylon sachets.

“We need to avoid land degradation through reforestation and discouragement of deforestation; let us plant trees in our environment and go paperless,” he said.

The family physician said that the healthcare sector was a major polluter, accounting for 4.4 per cent of global carbon emission, maintaining that primary care was key to cutting healthcare sector’s carbon footprint.

“By focusing on early disease detection and lifestyle changes, it reduces the need for resource intensive medical treatments later.

“This will not only improve health outcomes but also significantly lower emissions by minimising energy-intensive procedures.

“This is what we want to promote with this year’s World Family Doctor Day,” he said.

Okedare noted that as the earth faced unprecedented environmental challenges, from climate change to pollution and habitat destruction, the repercussions on human health had become increasingly dire.

“These environmental changes have contributed to a rise in communicable and non-communicable diseases, which impacts mental health and exacerbate health disparities.

“Family doctors witness the health impacts of climate change firsthand, from increased respiratory illnesses due to pollution to the spread of vector-borne diseases with changing climates.

“Their observations are crucial for understanding and combating the health effects of environmental changes,” he said.

According to Okedare, family doctors are heading a good number of general hospitals and directorates in Oyo State Ministry of Health, while the general practitioners are also vibrant and actively contributing to healthcare services and training in the state.

“The World Family Doctor Day this year is to be celebrated on May 19 as a significant occasion to highlight the vital role and contribution of family doctors and primary care teams in healthcare systems worldwide.

“The day is an excellent opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the progress made in family medicine and the exceptional contributions of primary care teams globally,” he said.

Okedare said that this year’s celebration, with the theme: ‘Healthy Planet, Healthy People’, would highlight the link between the health of the planet and the health of the patients.

He highlighted the activities for the occasion to include: advocacy and sensitisation visits, symbolic tree planting to promote healthy planet, recycling of non-biodegradable wastes, public lectures, medical outreaches and Jumat/church services.

Also speaking, the Public Relations Officer of SOFPON in the state, Dr Folajimi Senjobi, said Nigeria produced 25th largest amount of carbon emissions in the world.

“In 2021, we produced about 127,000 and 29.25 KT of carbon emission, which is a lot compared to the 75,000 produced from 1960 to 2021.

“The amount of carbon emissions we are releasing is on the increase. Therefore, we need to migrate from fossil energy to affordable clean energy,” Senjobi said. (NAN)