Healthy Planet: FCT Minister urges Nigerians to invest in afforestation

The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has called on Nigerians to increase their investment in afforestation, emphasizing its importance for creating a healthy environment and promoting healthy living.

This appeal was made during an event in Abuja on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, organized to commemorate World Family Doctors’ Day.

Dr. Mahmoud, represented by her Senior Special Assistant on Administration and Strategy, Dr. Abdullahi Kauranmata, highlighted the significance of afforestation over deforestation due to its numerous environmental benefits.

Dr. Mahmoud stressed that the health of the population is closely linked to the condition of the environment.

She noted that the theme for this year’s World Family Doctors’ Day, “Healthy Planet, Healthy People,” is both timely and strategic, underscoring the crucial role family doctors play in society.

“The contribution of family physicians to the healthcare system, especially in providing basic services, is commendable. Most of the healthcare burden of Nigerian families is managed by family physicians who are trained to handle a wide range of diseases,” she stated.

She further explained that well-trained family physicians are expected to perform routine surgeries, provide emergency care, vaccinate patients, advocate for patients, and manage primary patient care, among other services.

Earlier, the President of the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria, Prof. Musa Dankyau, acknowledged the interconnectedness of environmental health and human health.

He emphasized the significant role family doctors play in promoting both environmental and human health, pointing out the adverse effects of environmental degradation on the health of the population.

“The impacts of air pollution, climate change, deforestation, and water contamination are real and affect our daily lives from Sokoto to Lagos, Jos to Enugu, and Maiduguri to Port Harcourt. As family physicians, we are uniquely positioned to address these challenges and advocate for the health of our patients, families, and the planet,” Prof. Dankyau said.

World Family Doctors’ Day is celebrated annually to recognize the vital role of family doctors in delivering personal, comprehensive, and continuous healthcare to patients.

It also serves as an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of family doctors to the health of both the planet and their patients.