An anatomic pathologist has called for greater use of laboratory-generated data in shaping Nigeria’s health policies and planning, stressing that diagnostic evidence is critical for tracking disease trends, guiding public health interventions and improving health outcomes.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Cerba-Lancet Laboratories Nigeria, Dr Olayemi Dawodu, said laboratory medicine has become increasingly important as Nigeria undergoes an epidemiological transition from predominantly infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, hypertension and cancer.

She explained that diagnostic laboratories serve as custodians of health data by generating evidence that reveals disease patterns and emerging health trends, enabling policymakers to make informed decisions and allocate healthcare resources more effectively.

According to Dawodu, laboratory-generated evidence has already influenced major government interventions, including the establishment of cancer treatment centres across the country. “Such planning would not have been possible without reliable diagnostic data,” she said.

She noted that the diagnostic sector has consistently played a frontline role in safeguarding public health during outbreaks of Ebola, Lassa fever and COVID-19. According to her, laboratory data guided decisions on lockdowns, movement restrictions and the identification of disease hotspots, making diagnostic services a critical component of Nigeria’s health security architecture.

Dawodu added that laboratory medicine is equally vital to preventive healthcare by enabling early detection and monitoring of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, allowing timely intervention before complications arise.

She said regular health screening helps individuals understand their health status, adopt healthier lifestyles and seek prompt medical attention, thereby reducing the burden of advanced disease on families and the healthcare system.

While advocating preventive healthcare, Dawodu expressed concern that many Nigerians still obtain medicines without first undergoing appropriate laboratory investigations.

Dawodu warned that widespread self-medication, particularly the misuse of antibiotics, is fuelling antimicrobial resistance (AMR), making common infections increasingly difficult to treat.

She also cautioned against the indiscriminate use of antimalarial medicines, stressing that malaria should be confirmed through laboratory testing before initiating treatment to prevent drug resistance and ensure appropriate care.

To reverse the trend, Dawodu called for sustained public health education campaigns conducted in local languages and involving traditional rulers, community leaders and other trusted influencers to improve public understanding of the dangers of self-medication.

She attributed Nigerians’ reluctance to undergo laboratory tests largely to poor health-seeking behaviour and cultural misconceptions, noting that many people avoid medical investigations because of fear or anxiety about possible outcomes.

Speaking on diagnostic accuracy, Dawodu described reliable laboratory results as the foundation of effective medical care because they guide appropriate treatment, improve disease monitoring and prevent avoidable complications.

She explained that delivering accurate results depends on robust quality management systems, skilled personnel, appropriate infrastructure and strict adherence to internationally recognised standards.

According to her, Cerba-Lancet Laboratories has maintained International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) accreditation for more than a decade through continuous assessments by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS), the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) and the Nigerian National Accreditation System (NiNAS).

She said the laboratory’s recent recognition at the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards (NHEA) reflects the dedication of its workforce and the effectiveness of its quality assurance systems in consistently delivering accurate, reliable and internationally benchmarked diagnostic services.

Dawodu said the organisation organises Continuing Medical Education (CME) programmes for healthcare professionals, as well as school health and menstrual hygiene education initiatives aimed at improving public health awareness and expanding access to quality healthcare information.

She urged the government to strengthen regulation and enforcement in the diagnostic sector, arguing that although Nigeria has adequate policies, implementation remains weak. According to her, stricter licensing requirements and mandatory compliance with credible quality management systems are essential to protect Nigerians from substandard laboratory services capable of producing inaccurate results and endangering patients’ lives.