As Nigeria navigates its complex health system landscape in the face of the unending resurgence of various outbreaks, the role of disease surveillance and response through health systems strengthening becomes increasingly vital. We sat down with Dr Shola Dele-Olowu, a renowned public health expert with experience leading disease surveillance and systems-strengthening programs in sub-Saharan Africa, to discuss her contributions to strengthening the resilience of Africa’s health systems.

Good day, Dr. Shola Dele-Olowu. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Let’s start with an overview of your educational and professional background. Can you tell us about your journey and motivation as a public health epidemiologist?

Thank you for having me. My journey as a public health specialist is rooted in my early exposure to Nigeria’s healthcare delivery challenges and inequities. I earned my Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MB.BS) from the University of Jos and later pursued a Master’s in Health Policy, Planning, and Finance from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and the London School of Economics. For over a decade, I’ve had the privilege of working across diverse health systems in Nigeria and several sub-Saharan African countries, focusing on health surveillance, health systems strengthening, immunization programs, and maternal and child health. My motivation stems from a deep commitment to improving healthcare access and equity, particularly in underserved and crisis-prone areas. I have seen firsthand lives lost due to poor health systems, and driven me to work on projects that will build resilient health systems essential for sustainable development.

You’ve worked with various prestigious organizations and now with AMP Health. How has this professional exposure influenced your approach to disease surveillance and health systems strengthening in sub-Saharan Africa?

I have been fortunate through hard work to work with great institutions doing great work to save lives. Working with organizations, such as the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) and Aspen Management Partners for Health (AMP Health),  has given me a unique perspective on the critical intersection of health systems, policy, practice, and community engagement in disease surveillance and systems strengthening. For instance, at CHAI, I managed a portfolio worth millions of dollars to strengthen immunization and primary healthcare systems in Nigeria, where I witnessed the transformative power of aligning data-driven strategies with grassroots implementation. My experience has taught me that successful health systems strengthening requires not only technical expertise, but very importantly the ability to build partnerships, leverage local knowledge, and adapt solutions to the unique socio-political contexts of each country. These lessons continue to guide my work at AMP Health, where we prioritize innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in addressing public health challenges.

Globally, data-driven surveillance and systems strengthening are gaining traction. How can Africa particularly Nigeria leverage open-source data to improve its healthcare resilience system?

Open-source data presents a powerful opportunity for Nigeria to enhance its healthcare resilience. By harnessing platforms that provide real-time health data, policymakers and practitioners can make informed decisions to allocate resources, respond to outbreaks, and design effective interventions. Nigeria can learn from successful global models, such as the HealthMap system used in the U.S., to develop localized solutions that integrate existing health information systems with open-source analytics tools. However, the key to leveraging this potential lies in addressing challenges like data fragmentation, limited interoperability, and inadequate data literacy among healthcare workers. Investments in infrastructure, training, and public-private partnerships will be essential to establish a robust ecosystem where open-source data drives proactive and equitable health solutions.

Can you give examples of how open-source data has facilitated public health epidemiology in developed nations, and how similar approaches be adapted in Nigeria?

A good example of open-source data platforms is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) BioSense program, which has been instrumental in monitoring and responding to health threats. Such platforms integrate data from hospitals, laboratories, and public health agencies to provide real-time surveillance and predictive analytics. In Nigeria, adapting these approaches would require strengthening health information systems, ensuring data interoperability, and cultivating a culture of data use among healthcare workers. Initiatives like the National Data Repository for HIV/AIDS surveillance have already demonstrated the potential for open-source solutions to drive better health outcomes and similar frameworks can be expanded to other areas, including immunization and maternal health.

 Let’s discuss Primary Healthcare, what are the key challenges and opportunities you see in the current state of primary healthcare and MNCH in Nigeria?

Primary healthcare in Nigeria faces significant challenges, including inadequate funding, infrastructure deficits, and workforce shortages. Additionally, geographic and socio-economic disparities exacerbate access issues, particularly for maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) services. However, these challenges also present opportunities. Strengthening community health systems, integrating innovative financing models, and leveraging digital tools can bridge gaps in access and quality. Programs I’ve led, such as the introduction of an e-learning platform for health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrate how technology and capacity building can address systemic weaknesses. Scaling such interventions, combined with a renewed commitment to Universal Health Coverage, can position Nigeria’s primary healthcare system to deliver equitable and sustainable health outcomes.

Can you mention two projects that you have led in the public health space that you are proud of the impact and reach?

I have several projects that I am extremely proud of their impact but two projects that I believe were deeply impactful are the “Human-Centered Design Approach to Improve Efficiency of Routine Immunization,” funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the “COVID-19: Supporting Nigeria’s Emergency Response Readiness for Case Management” initiative. Both projects tackled critical challenges in Nigeria’s health system and delivered sustainable results. The first project leveraged human-centred design to improve immunization workflows, increasing vaccination rates in underserved communities. The second involved deploying an e-learning platform during the pandemic, enabling over 3,000 healthcare workers to receive training on COVID-19 case management while also strengthening maternal and neonatal health services during the crisis.

That sounds impressive. Can you elaborate on the Human Centered Design project and its impact?

The Human-Centered Design project addressed inefficiencies in routine immunization delivery by consulting caregivers, health workers, and community members to co-create solutions tailored to their needs. This innovative approach resulted in significant improvements in immunization coverage and service delivery efficiency in the target communities. The success of this project not only improved health outcomes but also informed national immunization policies, demonstrating how inclusive and data-driven methods can drive systemic change.

Your work clearly demonstrates a commitment to improving health systems. How do you see the future of health data and surveillance evolving in Nigeria?

The future of health data and surveillance in Nigeria is promising, with advances in technology and analytics offering new possibilities. I envision a system where real-time data integration, predictive modelling, and AI-powered decision-making become standard practices. However, achieving this will require significant investments in capacity building, infrastructure, and policy reforms to ensure data quality, security, and accessibility. Collaborative efforts between government, academia, and the private sector will be key to unlocking the full potential of data-driven public health.

Can you tell us about your acceptance by the British Council into the prestigious Future Leaders Connect and its impact on your career?

Being part of the British Council’s Future Leaders Connect program was a transformative experience. It provided me with the opportunity to collaborate with other emerging leaders globally, exchange ideas on tackling pressing public health challenges, and refine my leadership skills. The program also deepened my understanding of policy development and advocacy, skills that I have since applied to drive impactful health system reforms in Nigeria and across Africa. This recognition reaffirmed my commitment to building resilient and equitable health systems and continues to inspire my work in public health.

 What are your future goals for your work in disease surveillance and health systems strengthening in Nigeria?

My future goals include scaling proven health systems interventions across Nigeria and beyond. I am also committed to nurturing a new generation of public health leaders by mentoring and empowering professionals to leverage data and innovation to address complex health challenges. Additionally, I will continue advocating for sustainable financing mechanisms and policies that strengthen health systems and promote equity in healthcare delivery.