In Abuja, a symposium hosted by PharmAccess and the federal government united policymakers, researchers, and healthcare leaders to explore how innovation and evidence-based research can transform Nigeria’s healthcare system and improve lives.
In Abuja, leaders and healthcare experts gathered to discuss how research and policy could transform Nigeria’s healthcare system.
PharmAccess, an international health NGO, partnered with the federal government to create a more effective and accessible healthcare system for millions of Nigerians.
The symposium, “Innovating Healthcare in Nigeria: Connecting Research and Policy for Universal Health Coverage”, focused on the importance of evidence-based decision-making in shaping healthcare policy.
National coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), Abdu Mukhtar, highlighted the potential of Nigeria’s research community.
He called for stronger ties between local and international institutions, stating: “We can lead globally by leveraging our diaspora’s expertise and strengthening local research hubs”.
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Moreover, country director of PharmAccess, Njide Ndili, supported this view, emphasising that partnerships between sectors are crucial to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“Our goal is to create a healthcare system that is equitable, sustainable, and accessible to all,” she said.
In addition, Dr John Obafunwa from the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) and Dr Ademola Dada from Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta, discussed how research is addressing Nigeria’s healthcare challenges.
They shared success stories of improvements in maternal and infant health.
Finally, the symposium featured insights from Professor Gordon Abekah-Nkrumah of Ghana, who presented a digital system that has improved healthcare administration in Ghana.
The event underscored the urgent need for collaboration to bring about meaningful change in Nigeria’s healthcare system.