Over 98,000 Nigerian women succumb to hazards of using firewood
The Nigerian Minister for Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, has highlighted the grave health risks associated with the use of firewood for cooking, indicating that more than 98,000 Nigerian women succumb each year to the detrimental effects of harmful smoke.
Referencing findings from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Minister pointed out that the dangers of cooking multiple meals daily with firewood are comparable to the health risks associated with smoking up to 20 packs of cigarettes daily, significantly increasing the risk of developing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Speaking at the launch of the Benue State National Gas Expansion Programme Stakeholders Consultative Forum in Benin on Monday, the Minister called for an immediate shift towards cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.
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She emphasised that this transition is essential not only for safeguarding women’s health and well-being but also for fostering economic growth and ensuring environmental protection.
“The move towards cleaner and more sustainable energy is not merely an alternative; it is essential for our survival and advancement,” the Minister asserted.
She further elaborated on the grave consequences of traditional cooking methods, stating that extended exposure to firewood smoke is a major contributor to the alarming rate of mortality among Nigerian women.
“If a woman prepares breakfast, lunch, and dinner using firewood, it is akin to inhaling smoke equivalent to three to 20 packets of cigarettes each day,” she noted.
The Minister reiterated that embracing cleaner energy sources, such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), presents a practical solution to mitigate the adverse effects associated with cooking over firewood.
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