Global Journal of Science Frontier Research, H: Environment & Earth Science, Volume 21 Issue 6

Relationship between Climatic Variables and Incidence of Malaria and Asthma in Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria Ayuba Hassan α , Iliyasu M. Anzaku σ , Anyaku. D. Ovye ρ & Nasir Umar Ѡ Abstract- There has been a significant upsurge in global warming phenomenon in the recent times than ever. This resulted from the alteration of global climatic variables i.e., temp erature, rainfall, relative humidity e.t.c. This study assess the trends of climatic variables in Keffi from 2003-2018. (Temperature, rainfall and relative humidity). The method was used to source data from mega and reputable institution for the purpose of this research. Where malaria data was sourced from the PHC unit, Keffi Local Government Council. Asthmatic data was retrieved from federal medical center (FMC) Keffi. Whereas, those climatic variables were obtained from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), FCT Abuja. The study finds out the trends and impacts of climatic variables on climatic sensitive diseases. Which are principally in the aspect of an existing relationship and impacts of climatic parameters on malaria/asthma. As explained by U.S Center for Disease Control (CDC). Climate is the key and basic determinant of the distribution of malaria in the world. Explains “climate can influence all three components of the life cycle. It is thus, a key determinant in a geographic distribution and seasonality of malaria (U.S Center for Disease Control 2017). It added that, “even if malaria has been eliminated from an area, if rainfall, humidity and temperature persist, there is danger that the disease can be reintroduced (U.S CDC 2017). The work also reviews that, “climate change are altering patterns of temperature and precipitation, potentially affecting the regions of malaria” (Olson et’ al 2009). Findings has also revealed that, logging of trees from massive agricultural practices and timber traders contribute to rising of temperature over the years. Findings analyzed from the retrieved data revealed that, rising temperature, relative humidity and declination in rainfall poses impacts on malaria and asthma in Keffi and the world-over, over the years. Marking a clear relationship between the two. The research wholesomely concluded by reiterating some abative measures to ravaging impacts of climatic variables on malaria/asthma and also on human health and comfort has been in the heart of the people. But unfortunately this has been the ultimate focus on government and people living in Keffi over the years. Thus, this calls for concerted effort and more commitment from both government and individual. Not putting down a lend of helping hand from NGOs, elites and stake-holders to win the fight. Keywords: relationship, variables, incidence, climatic, asthma, malaria. I. I ntroduction uman health vulnerability at the expense of climatic variables (temperature, rainfall and relative humidity) has continues to be of intense concern in all the countries of the world. Clear indications has therefore proven that the negative effects incurred from the increasing Temperature, rainfall and relative humidity etc has been on the high side. These can be clearly perceived via the rapid increase of infection i.e malaria/asthma resulting from the influence of these climatic elements, which both could be direct and indirect effects resulted from the depletion of the ozone to climatic variation. For example, increasing global warming. Whereby, increasing temperature becomes an added advantage to mosquito operation and also increasing malaria cases. Breeding grounds from precipitation and an aggravation of asthmatic cases from relative humidity and temperature modification. While the indirect could be gotten from the polluted air, water and food quality and quantity. i.e warm temperature can increase air and water (H 2 O) pollution which in turn harm human health. Human beings are exposed to climatic effects through changing weather patterns (for example, via frequent and intense events and also indirectly through changes in water, air, food quality and quantity (being a man’s life dependence) ecosystem, agriculture, and economy. At these early stages the effects are small but are projected to progressively increase in all countries and regions of the world (IPCC, 2007). Simple example of this are rampant malaria cases today which are both contribution of vast effect of Temperature, Insolation and Rainfall. One may ask how, seasonal extension this days which results from the modification of climate variation is an added advantage to the periodic operation and proliferation of mosquitoes thereby, resulting to high malaria/relative humidity infections. The effects of climatic elements i.e temperature, Insolation and Rainfall, relative humidity on human health are essentially the consequences of natural trend (processes) taking place on our social milieu (habitats) whose effects remain unsurpassed in recent years. While on the other hand, are exacerbated by humanitarian actions and inactions and the generality of the impact of man on the environments. H 1 Global Journal of Science Frontier Research Volume XXI Issue VI Year 2021 53 ( H ) © 2021 Global Journals Version I Author α ρ Ѡ : Department of Geography, Faculty of Environmental Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi. Author σ : Department of Science, School of Continuing Education, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria. e-mail: iliyasumammananzaku@gmail.com