On this year’s World Family Doctor’s Day, the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria, (SOFPON), Lagos State Chapter has expressed concern over the continuous clearing of vegetation across communities in Nigeria, lamenting that deforestation is stripping away vital natural defenses against pollution and contributing to a rise in respiratory problems. The Family Physicians who decried the possible devastating impact on health and the environment said these green spaces were vital for filtering air, regulating temperatures, and providing a healthy environment. They made this known during a medical outreach to mark the Day and in honour of one of the pioneering members of SOFPON, the late Dr Adedokun.
Lagos Chairman of SOFPON, Dr. Sixtus Ozuomba, said this year’s theme: ‘Healthy Planet, Healthy People’ brings the focus to the society to understand the connection between having a healthy environment and healthy people. His words: “These plants are our lungs.
They take the carbon dioxide we breathe out and give us back life-giving oxygen. Without them, the air feels heavy and contributes to respiratory problems.” Ozuomba who is also a Consultant Family Physician linked the loss of vegetation to the rise in temperatures and a decline in air quality, adding that many people are feeling the brunt of the scorching sun and struggling to breathe due to increased pollution.
“The trees and bushes used to provide a cool breeze. Now, we’re left sweltering with no escape fr.