More molecular labs crucial for tackling tropical diseases — Don | The Guardian Nigeria News

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A university don, Prof. Dennis Agbonlahor, has called for the establishment of more molecular diagnostic laboratories across the nation to ensure the quick detection of emerging tropical diseases of epidemic and pandemic proportions.

Agbonlahor made the call at the Maiden Lecture Series titled *Emerging and Resurging Epidemic/Pandemic-Prone Diseases Caused by Pathogenic Microbes and Superbugs* of the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Edo University Iyamho.

Agbonlahor, former Vice-Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, said only 25 functional molecular diagnostic laboratories are in the country out of the 40 established during the COVID-19 outbreak.

“There is an urgent need to encourage the establishment of public and private networks of molecular diagnostic laboratories across the nation. These laboratories will help to ensure the very quick detection of the causative agents and the containment of these emerging tropical diseases of epidemic and pandemic proportions.

“How can we cope as a nation if we are suddenly confronted by the emergence of a new deadly super virus, as Nigeria can only boast of an abysmally few functional molecular diagnostic laboratories?” he asked.

The former VC noted that about 25, with three from Edo, have managed to remain functional after their hurried establishment across the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As long as this nation remains endemic for most of these diseases, Nigeria will continue to witness an increasing burden of emerging and resurging epidemic- and pandemic-prone disease outbreaks,” Agbonlahor stated.

Earlier, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Edo University, Prof. Dawood Egbefo, said the lecture is timely to address the critical need for knowledge exchange and collaboration in the fight against infectious diseases.

Egbefo said the fight against infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance requires a concerted effort from researchers, healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities.