Nigerian doctors, yesterday, said that Nigeria ranks as the 25th largest carbon-emission country in the world, lamenting that such a development is detrimental to the health of citizens.
The doctors, under the aegis of the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria (SOFPN), Oyo State chapter, therefore, called on the government at all levels, as well as all Nigerians, to utilise more of clean energy to save lives and create a healthy environment.
The Oyo State Chairman of SOFPON, Dr Okedare Amos-Olufemi, made the call while speaking on the duties of family doctors as regards championing health, during the World Family Doctors’ Day 2024 celebration. The World Family Doctor Day had the theme, ‘Healthy Planet, Healthy People.’
Amos-Olufemi explained that the intricate connection between the health of the planet and the wellbeing of its people could not be overemphasised, saying that there is an urgent need for a change of attitude by everyone.
He disclosed that the healthcare sector remains a major polluter, accounting for 4.4 per cent of global carbon emissions. He said: “Some of the footprints of environment pollution, degradation and dumping of refuse have not ceased, and its effects on the health of our people still continue. That is why we are advocating that in all our environments, offices and homes, we should all be conscious of the environment and ensure that we create a healthy environment so that our people can live a healthy life.”
