Assessing the public Health Impacts of Climate Change in Jalingo Metropolis Taraba State

Abstract

Climate change poses significant threats to public health, particularly in vulnerable urban centres of sub-Saharan Africa. This study assessed the public health impacts of climate variability in Jalingo Metropolis, Taraba State, Nigeria, using a mixed-methods research design. Data were collected from 387 households through structured questionnaires, complemented by climate data from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and disease records from Specialist Hospital Jalingo.

Findings revealed pronounced climate variability, including rising temperatures and irregular rainfall patterns, with increasing frequency of extreme events such as droughts (24.3%), flooding (22.0%), and dust storms (21.4%). These changes were associated with a marked increase in climate-sensitive diseases. Malaria cases rose significantly from 771 in 2020 to 4,622 in 2024, while diarrhoeal diseases, respiratory conditions, and heat-related illnesses also increased. Vulnerable groups—particularly children under five, pregnant women, and the elderly—were disproportionately affected.

Despite high awareness of climate change, knowledge gaps persist regarding its causes and health implications. Limited access to healthcare services, low health insurance coverage, and long distances to facilities further increased vulnerability. Statistical analysis confirmed significant relationships between climate variables and health outcomes.

The study concludes that climate change is a serious and ongoing public health challenge in Jalingo Metropolis. It recommends strengthening climate-sensitive disease surveillance, improving healthcare infrastructure, expanding health insurance coverage, and promoting climate-health education to enhance resilience.