EXCLUSIVE: Aspiring Surgeon Warns “Nigeria’s Heat Is Becoming Dangerous”

 

PhotoCredit:Chrome

By Victor Olubiye

As temperatures continue to rise across Nigeria—leaving many restless, dehydrated, and exposed—the heat is no longer just a seasonal discomfort. It is fast becoming a serious public health threat. From classrooms to crowded streets, its impact is quietly intensifying. In this exclusive feature, aspiring surgeon Awe Deborah offers a rare medical perspective, warning that what many Nigerians dismiss as “normal heat” could have serious—even life-threatening—consequences.

For many Nigerians, the scorching sun has become an everyday struggle—endured, joked about, and often dismissed as just another part of life. According to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), several parts of the country have recorded temperatures above 40°C in recent heatwave periods. But for Awe Deborah, the reality is far more alarming.

40°C temperature in recent heatwave periods

What people see as ordinary heat, I don’t see it that way anymore—it is something disastrous,” she said.

Her concern, she explained, stems from the silent but dangerous changes extreme heat causes in the human body.

“Most of the changes that occur in our body are the most dangerous ones. This heat people take lightly can cause serious damage to the body system,” Deborah noted.

One of the most immediate effects, she explained, is dehydration—a condition that reduces the body’s fluid levels and places strain on vital organs.

“It can lead to a loss of body fluids, and when that happens, it begins to affect how the body functions, including the brain,” she added.

She recalled a recent incident at a school inter-house sports event she attended, where a pupil who had been resting under a tent suddenly felt dizzy and nearly collapsed after stepping into the sun to rehearse for a parade.

“That moment made it clear to me that this heat is not something to take lightly,” she said.

Explaining the broader cause, Deborah pointed to climate change—a long-term shift in global temperatures driven largely by human activities.

“Climate change is the long-term shift in temperature we are experiencing, and it is happening globally, not just in Nigeria,” she explained.

She emphasized that human activities play a major role in intensifying the heat.

“Gases from cars, trailers, and industries are released into the atmosphere and trap heat, making the environment hotter,” she said.

Deborah also highlighted the impact of urbanization and deforestation, particularly in densely populated areas.

“Trees help absorb harmful gases, but when trees are reduced and buildings take over, those gases remain in the atmosphere, making the heat worse,” she added.

From a medical standpoint, Deborah warned that prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to serious health complications.

“When the heat becomes excessive, it can affect the brain. That is why people feel dizzy or even faint when they stay too long under the sun,” she explained.

She added that vital organs are also at risk.

“The kidneys and other organs can begin to malfunction if the body remains constantly dehydrated,” she said.

Beyond internal effects, she pointed to the dangers of prolonged exposure to sunlight.

“Too much exposure to the sun can damage the skin and, in extreme cases, lead to skin cancer—especially for people who work outdoors,” Deborah warned.

Farmers' exposure to sun

She advised Nigerians to pay close attention to warning signs such as persistent high body temperature, dizziness, weakness, and fainting.

While the heat affects everyone, Deborah stressed that some groups are more vulnerable than others.

“Children are at risk because their bodies are still developing and cannot regulate temperature properly,” she explained.

She added that elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions also face increased danger.

“People who work directly under the sun, such as farmers and hawkers, are also at high risk because of constant exposure,” she noted.

Beyond individual health, Deborah explained that extreme heat places additional pressure on Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“When there is excessive heat, the number of patients increases, and hospitals may not have enough equipment or space to manage them,” she said.

She also highlighted the challenges posed by inconsistent electricity supply.

“Some medical equipment and drugs need to be kept in cool conditions. When there is no steady power supply, it affects how hospitals function and can delay treatment,” she added.

In a lesser-known but important observation, Deborah raised concerns about rainwater exposure—particularly water collected from rooftops.

“When gases in the atmosphere mix with rain, it can form acidic rain,” she explained.

She further warned about contamination from roofing materials.

“When rainwater comes into contact with zinc or metal roofs, it can pick up rust and other harmful substances, making it unsafe for consumption,” she said.

While Deborah believes the government has a critical role to play—particularly in tree planting, improving healthcare infrastructure, and promoting sustainable energy—she emphasized that individuals must also take responsibility.

Deborah believes the government has a critical role to play—particularly in tree planting

"What has been damaged has been damaged, but we must now take personal care seriously,” she said.

Her advice to Nigerians is both practical and urgent:

“We should drink plenty of water, avoid staying too long under the sun, use umbrellas, wear light clothing, and stay in shaded areas whenever possible,” she advised.

"We should drink plenty of water" she advised

She also urged those whose occupations require outdoor exposure to adjust their routines.

“Farmers, hawkers, and other outdoor workers should try to work early in the morning and reduce movement when the heat becomes too intense,” she added.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with rising temperatures, the message from the medical field is becoming increasingly clear: the heat is no longer just an environmental issue—it is a growing public health emergency.

Nigerians continues to grapple with rising temperatures

And as Awe Deborah warns, what many still consider “normal heat” may, in reality, be a silent and dangerous crisis already unfolding.