Environmental and Socioeconomic Determinants of Health in Nigeria: A Community Perspective

Health in Nigeria is closely tied to the environment and people’s access to resources. I spoke with 115 residents across urban, semi-urban, and rural areas to understand how pollution and poverty affect their daily lives. The survey revealed that air and noise pollution are common and affect both physical and mental health, with poorer communities feeling the effects the most. While many felt the government isn’t doing enough, there was strong support for local and youth-led initiatives. These issues reflect broader global patterns highlighted by the WHO and UN, showing that environmental health challenges are both local and worldwide.