FG harps on role of research in tackling health challenges

The Federal Government has highlighted the critical role of health research in developing effective interventions to address health challenges.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Tunji Alausa, who stated this at the National Strategic Meeting on Health Research Development and Innovation, in Abuja, said the most significant ways to improve health care and ensure optimal health outcomes for Nigerians is through research and development.

Alausa noted that Nigeria stands at a pivotal juncture in its journey toward achieving quality health for all citizens, adding that the current administration is committed to advancing the people’s health through research and innovation.

The minister observed that Nigeria, with its diverse population and unique health challenges, stands at a critical juncture in its journey towards achieving optimal health outcomes for all its citizens.”

Alausa pointed out that research can lead to life-saving breakthroughs in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, and scale up of critical health and development interventions.

“It is through rigorous research that we gain the insights necessary to develop effective interventions, and through innovation, we transform these insights into tangible solutions that improve the lives of our people,” he added.

He highlighted the significance of the meeting as an opportunity to reflect on progress, identify gaps, and chart a strategic path forward.

The minister underscored the government’s commitment to quality and accessible healthcare, as well as support for the health sector.

He urged participants to be creative, embrace collaboration, and translate research findings into impactful policies and practices.

The minister expressed optimism that the strategic meeting’s outcomes would significantly advance the national health research agenda and contribute to the nation’s health and social welfare goals.

Nigeria, with its diverse population and unique health challenges, stands at a critical juncture in its journey towards achieving optimal health outcomes for all its citizens.

In this quest, the role of health research and innovation cannot be overstated.

“It is through rigorous research that we gain the insights necessary to develop effective interventions, and through innovation, we transform these insights into tangible solutions that improve the lives of our people.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Daju Kachallom, said Nigeria currently faces numerous health challenges ranging from communicable and non-communicable diseases that need urgent and sustainable interventions.

She lamented that the country does not possess the required financial resources to address the health challenges but could harness the abundant human resources through research and innovative solutions to overcome the problem in the health sector.

Marybrent Wood, who represented the World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Director, assured of its preparedness to assist the country in health research to improve healthcare delivery.