Author: Green, B.A.1

1Department of Public Health, University of Calabar.

The Niger Delta region faces unique environmental health challenges, predominantly linked to oil exploration activities. Despite numerous studies and reports, research efforts are hampered by a critical lack of infrastructure: a centralized, robust, and accessible health database.

Currently, data is siloed within individual institutions, government ministries, or private companies, making comprehensive longitudinal studies on the health impact of environmental pollutants nearly impossible. We are left with snapshot studies that are inadequate to establish causality or track trends over time.

This commentary argues for a collaborative initiative between state governments, academic institutions, and international partners to establish a Niger Delta Health and Environment Database (NiDHEL). Such a resource would be invaluable for:

  • Tracking incidence rates of cancers, respiratory illnesses, and developmental disorders.
  • Correlating health outcomes with environmental data (air, water, soil quality).
  • Informing evidence-based public health policy and intervention strategies.
  • Attracting large-scale research funding.

The time for talk is over; the time for coordinated data-driven action is now.

Keywords: Health Policy, Epidemiology, Database, Environmental Pollution, Niger Delta.