CLIMATE CHANGE, WATER QUALITY AND WATER-BORNE MORBIDITY OF INFANTS IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Water quality and its availability have implication on the health status and lifestyle of a community. Over 80% of preventable disasters, diseases, hunger and even deaths are due to improper utilization and management of water. Flooding, orchestrated by climate change has exacerbated the situation. Children below the age of 5 years old are highly vulnerable and most affected by these waterborne diseases. The pattern of water-borne diseases in relation to water quality and other environmental factors was studied among residents of Igbesa in Ado Odo-Ota LGA of Ogun state, Nigeria. Sources of drinking water were 65% among households with water sources within their premises. Common sicknesses were 75% in the wet season as compared to 25% during dry season. Sicknesses more common among children included diarrhea (58%), high fever (25%) and malaria (17%). Water parameter values and heavy metal concentrations recorded in this study were within acceptable levels. Accordingly, it was concluded that the drinking water sources in Igbesa are safe for human consumption. However, the occurrence of Cd and Co in the water samples is indicative of subtle toxic pollution in the area. This calls for proper and continuous monitoring before it gets to dangerous levels.