At CCSHDI, we understand that real change begins with the people. That’s why our Community Health Talk Series didn’t just deliver information, it ignited conversations, shifted mindsets, and inspired action. Held across both rural communities like Ogolonto, Igede, Igbogbo Baiyeku, and Odogunyan, and urban areas such as Gbagada, Ketu, and Shomolu, these talks brought the critical conversation about climate change and health directly to the people. 

These communities, each with their unique challenges, welcomed us with open arms and left with the knowledge and tools to navigate the growing threats of climate change. 

Key Discussion Areas: Bridging Science and Everyday Realities 

Our approach was simple yet powerful – make the science of climate change relevant to everyday lives. In every community we visited, the talks were tailored to ensure every participant, from local farmers to market traders, could connect the dots between climate events and their health. 

What We Covered 

  • Understanding Climate Change: Explaining how rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and worsening floods are not random acts of nature but a consequence of human activity. 
  • Identifying Common Climate Events: Using local examples, such as heatwaves causing water scarcity or flash floods disrupting livelihoods, to make the message hit home. 
  • Health Impacts: Sharing real-life stories of how individuals suffered from heat exhaustion, respiratory issues, and waterborne diseases after floods, shocking many attendees into awareness. 
  • Recognizing Warning Signs: Encouraging vigilance for symptoms like heatstroke, asthma triggers, or unusual fatigue linked to climate stressors. 
  • Adopting Preventive Behaviours: Demonstrating practical steps such as proper hydration during hot seasons, mosquito-proofing homes, and creating early warning systems for extreme weather. 

Language as a Tool for Connection 

In communities where tradition runs deep, communication is key. We broke down barriers by presenting in both Yoruba and English, ensuring no one felt left out. Elders nodded in understanding as we spoke their native tongue, while younger attendees appreciated the clarity of the English explanations. This dual-language approach created a space where everyone felt included, understood, and empowered. 

Impact You Could Feel in the Air 

The real success of our Community Health Talk Series wasn’t just in the information shared, it was in the transformations we witnessed. 

In Rural Communities: Farmers shared how unpredictable rainfall had affected their crops, but left our talks armed with ideas to conserve water and protect their health during peak heat periods. An elderly man in Ogolonto stood up after the session and said, “Now I know that when the air feels heavy and I cough, it’s not just dust during the dry season, it could be the air itself.”

In Urban Areas: At our talk in Gbagada, a young mother admitted she had never thought about the link between stagnant floodwater and the health of her children. By the end of the session, she had pledged to keep her environment clean and teach others in her neighborhood about mosquito prevention. 

Across Generations: In every session, children, adults, and elders alike shared personal stories that reflected a shift in understanding. One boy in Shomolu confidently explained to the group how to identify symptoms of heatstroke; a moment that reminded us why we do what we do. 

Building Lasting Resilience 

Beyond the immediate knowledge gained, these talks planted seeds of long-term resilience in the communities we touched. Attendees began organizing neighborhood groups to share what they learned with others. In Odogunyan, a group of women decided to meet monthly to discuss ways to protect their families from climate-related health issues.

The ripple effects of these engagements are undeniable. By empowering individuals to take ownership of their health and environment, CCSHDI is building a movement where communities are not just surviving but thriving in the face of climate challenges.

Looking Back, Moving Forward 

The Community Health Talk Series was more than a series of discussions—it was a call to action. It showed us the incredible power of grassroots engagement in building healthier, more informed, and more climate-resilient communities.

As we reflect on the stories, the faces, and the voices of those we met, we’re reminded that every effort counts. One conversation can lead to a ripple of change. One empowered individual can inspire a community.

At CCSHDI, our mission continues. We are driven by the belief that sustainable health and climate resilience are not just goals, they are necessities.

Join the Movement 

Let’s continue to make an impact together. Stay connected with CCSHDI to learn more about our upcoming initiatives, partner with us, or support our cause. Contact Us

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