HEALTH EDUCATION APPROACHES IN TACKLING ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Despite the efforts of government and non-government organization, environmental challenges such as pollution related components, oil spillages, deforestation, erosion, and flood cases, increasingly impact public health, economic development and overall quality of life in Nigeria, highlighting the need to evaluate and strengthen health education strategies in the country. These issues are further exacerbated by climate change, leading to increased climate variability, more intense rainfall, and worsening land degradation. The paper therefore examined the health education approaches geared towards tackling environmental challenges in Nigeria. The paper also explores the various health education responsibilities and strategies towards ensuring environmental sustainability. Various environment challenges affecting Nigeria were mentioned, health education theories on environmental challenges as well as the impacts of environmental challenges on health of the population were discussed. The paper concluded that effective health education approaches empowering individuals and communities to adopt environmentally friendly behaviors, supports policy advocacy and encourages local initiatives aimed at environmental preservation among others should be considered.  it was recommended that communal workshops and seminars would raise awareness about environmental issues and their impacts on health. This approach not only enhances environmental sustainability, but also improves public health outcomes, contributing to a healthier and more resilient Nigeria.