Climate Change Impact on Microbial Diseases in Nigeria: A Review of Emerging Patterns and Public Health Implications

Climate change affects a lot of public health challenges in Nigeria, this increases the incidence and severity of microbial diseases through rising temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and increased humidity. This study provides a review on the impacts of climate change on microbial diseases in Nigeria, with a focus on vector borne diseases (e.g., malaria and dengue), waterborne diseases (e.g., cholera and typhoid), respiratory infections, and zoonotic diseases (e.g., Lassa fever). The review shows how climate driven factors like warmer temperatures and flooding can enhance pathogen spread, expand vector habitats, and disrupt ecological balances, which increases disease transmission. It examines the impact on vulnerable populations, such as rural communities, urban slum dwellers, women, and children, who face risks due to limited access to healthcare, clean water, and economic resources. This review comprehensively investigates the mechanisms through which climate change amplifies pathogen activity. It examines Nigeria’s public health issues, overloaded healthcare systems, poor disease surveillance, and weak water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) structure, which worsen socioeconomic impacts like poverty, malnutrition, and reduced productivity. Furthermore, the study proposes mitigation and adaptation strategies, such as climate resilient health infrastructure, disease surveillance integrating meteorological data, and proper WASH programs. With evidence from interdisciplinary sources, this review underscores the urgent need for integrated health and climate policies to address Nigeria’s growing disease burden. It also identifies knowledge gaps, particularly regarding pathogen evolution, to guide future research. Recommendations include strengthening the health systems, enhancing early warning systems with climate and health data, scaling up vector control measures, improving WASH infrastructure. By prioritizing sustainable practices, intersectoral collaboration, and interventions for all, Nigeria can tackle the growing threat of climate related diseases, building a stronger, healthier future for current and future generations.