Cars contribute to seven of the top 10 causes of death, experts warn

AFRICAN countries have been urged to focus more on promoting active transportation, such as walking and bicycling, since cars contribute to seven of the top 10 causes of death in the United States.

Associate Professor Adewale Oyeyemi of Arizona State University made the call during his lecture titled “Improving Human and Planetary Health through Activity-Friendly Community Design: Research Priorities for Nigerian Physiotherapists” at the valedictory program commemorating the 70th birthday and retirement of Professor Babatunde Adegoke at the University of Ibadan.

Oyeyemi, an expert in physical medicine and rehabilitation, stated that leading causes of death exacerbated by automobiles include heart disease, cancer, accidents, stroke, diabetes, chronic lower respiratory diseases, and pneumonia.

According to him, urban design and transportation systems are largely driven by rapid industrialization and urbanization; however, these factors have multiple impacts on health, including road traffic injuries, air pollution, chronic diseases, noise pollution, social isolation, and health inequalities.

Professor Oyeyemi stated that poorly planned cities are hotbeds for crisis and diseases because they promote unhealthy and unsustainable lifestyles, expose residents to environmental stressors such as air pollution and heat, and exacerbate inequities in access to resources and infrastructure.

He called for communities to be designed to promote active lifestyles and for increased investment in active transportation because of its numerous benefits, including improved physical and mental health, social advantages, environmental sustainability, and economic gains.

In many African cities, the effects of climate change—resulting from environmental damage to our planet—are being accompanied by devastating consequences such as earthquakes, droughts, and floods.

“These consequences are not only exacerbating the burden of communicable diseases such as malaria, cholera, and malnutrition but are also adversely impacting non-communicable diseases.

“In fact, the burden of non-communicable diseases—such as cardiovascular diseases, mental disorders, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory diseases—has increased rapidly in Africa since 1990, coinciding with rising urbanization across the continent.

“So, it is clear that urbanization-induced non-communicable diseases can no longer be neglected in sub-Saharan Africa and must be prioritized on the health and development agendas of many African countries. But the reality is that we continue to invest in poor urban design and transportation systems that largely encourage automobile dependence.

“For example, in the United States, seven of the 10 leading causes of death are exacerbated by cars. These include heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, influenza, and pneumonia. This demonstrates that continued investment in this mode of transportation is not only detrimental to human health but also harmful to the health of our planet.”

Head of the Department of Physiotherapy, Professor Adesola Odole, described Professor Adegoke as someone who not only taught and mentored but also built institutions and strengthened the physiotherapy profession in Nigeria and beyond.

“His research, particularly in musculoskeletal disorders and osteoarthritis, has shaped evidence-based physiotherapy practice. You pushed boundaries in musculoskeletal research and practice. Your legacy will continue through the ‘giants’ you have trained. The seeds you have planted will definitely bear fruit for generations to come,” she said.

Provost of the College of Medicine at the University of Ibadan, Professor Temidayo Ogundiran, stated that his career journey has been characterized by unwavering dedication and profound service to the field of physiotherapy and to the University of Ibadan community.

“His unwavering integrity, humility, and passion have set a standard for us all. Today, we honour not only his achievements but also the generous spirit with which he shared knowledge, encouraged colleagues, and uplifted students,” he added.

Earlier, Honourable Justice Badejoko O. Adeniji, the Emeritus Chief Justice of Oyo State and special guest of honour, said that reaching the age of 70 and retiring from public service is a great achievement, and he prayed that the individual spend the rest of his life in good health and enjoy time with his children and wife.