Impact of Climate Change–Induced Flooding Water Related Diseases and Malnutrition in Borno State, Nigeria: A Public Health Crisis

Authors

• Abdullahi Tunde Aborode, Healthy Africans Platform, Nigeria
• Oche Joseph Otorkpa, National Open University of NigeriaFollow
• Abdulkareem Olakilekun Abdullateef, Saving African Youths Dream Initiative, Nigeria
• Ogun Sedoten Oluwaseun, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Grace Adeola Adegoye, Western Colorado University
• Nenger Jerome Aondongu, Binghamton University--SUNY
• Iyanuoluwa Oyedeji Oyetunji, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• Adewunmi Akingbola, University of Cambridge Cambridgeshire Old Trinity Schools
• Godfred Yawson Scott, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
• Barakat Olajumoke Kolawole, Kwara State University
• Joel J. Komakech, Mississippi State University

ORCID IDs

Oluwaseun https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2111-3683

Aondongu https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9095-6476

Oyetunji https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7602-1463

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2025

Citation

Environmental Health Insights (2025) 19: 1–11

doi: 10.1177/11786302251321683

Comments

Open access

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Abstract

Climate change-induced flooding has caused public health crises in Borno State, Nigeria, which influence the increase of waterborne diseases and malnutrition. Flooding disrupts water and sanitation systems, creating breeding grounds for waterborne diseases such as cholera, malaria, and diarrheal illnesses. The displacement of communities and destruction of agricultural infrastructure due to flooding further increase food insecurity, leading to malnutrition. This paper examines the interplay between flooding, waterborne diseases, and malnutrition in Borno State, highlighting the urgent need for climate adaptation strategies and strengthened healthcare systems to mitigate these public health challenges. Additionally, it highlights the double burden of conflict and climate change where ongoing conflicts impede efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Finally, this paper outlines the socio-economic impacts of flooding and proposes interventions to mitigate the effects of flooding.