By Ayo Onikoyi

With the increasing impact of climate change on vulnerable populations especially children a Nigerian-born environmental epidemiologist based in the United States is calling for urgent action to integrate climate literacy into Nigeria’s public health strategies.

Dr. Angelina Uzor, MD, MPH, presented as a research fellow at the virtual Break the Cycle of Children’s Environmental Health Disparities Africa Conference, where she emphasized that climate literacy is not merely an environmental concern but a critical public health tool particularly for protecting children’s health in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria.

Presenting her paper titled “Climate Literacy and Children’s Health in Nigeria,” Dr. Uzor explained how climate-induced exposures such as extreme heat, flooding, and air pollution disproportionately affect children, who are among the most physiologically and socially vulnerable.

“Children are facing worsening health outcomes due to climate-related challenges, yet awareness of these links remains low,” Dr. Uzor stated. “We need to invest in climate literacy at every level from the classroom to community health to mitigate risks and build resilience.”

Speaking with media representatives on the sidelines of the conference, she noted that her work focuses on bridging the gap between science and policy by promoting evidence-based interventions. Her research spans neonatal and child health, climate change, environmental exposures, mental health, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).

Currently serving as an Environmental Epidemiologist with the Tennessee Department of Health, Dr. Uzor leads efforts to monitor and respond to the health impacts of environmental and climate-related hazards. Her career spanning clinical practice in Nigeria and public health research in the United States equips her with a unique cross-continental perspective.

In addition to her role in the U.S., she continues to advocate for sustainable development in Nigeria through her work with the Sustainable Development Goals Group Nigeria, where she promotes climate-conscious community practices.

Dr. Uzor earned her MD from Saratov State Medical University and an MPH in Environmental Health from East Tennessee State University. Her presentation at the conference was well received and sparked meaningful discussions on the importance of context-specific climate education as a foundation for national health strategies.

“Nigeria’s children deserve a future where their health isn’t compromised by preventable climate impacts,” she added. “The first step toward that future is knowledge.”