The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on Thursday inaugurated the National Health Research Committee (NHRC) to boost translational research on health-related issues.
Tunji Alausa, the minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, inaugurated the 13-man committee at a programme held at the Nigerian Institute of Medical (NIMR) in Lagos.
Speaking during the inauguration, Alausa said the current administration’s vision for health research in Nigeria was anchored in the pursuit of excellence, innovation and inclusivity.
Alausa said the NHRC would serve as a vanguard of health research that would facilitate collaboration across various health disciplines and institutions in the country.
He said: “The establishment of this committee marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey toward a healthier and more resilient Nigeria.
“Our vision for health research encompasses a holistic approach that integrates scientific excellence, technological innovation, community engagement and global collaboration to improve the health of every Nigerian.
“We envision a nation where cutting-edge research becomes the cornerstone of our healthcare system and we aim to harness the power of knowledge to address the unique challenges that our diverse population faces,” he said.
According to the minister, the Tinubu-led government’s vision for health research encompasses several pillars which include innovation and technology, disease surveillance and an early warning system.
Others are equity and access, translational research and implementation science, community-centric research, capacity building and collaboration.
He, however, commended members of the NHRC for accepting the responsibility that will propel the nation to the forefront of health research.
Speaking also, Olufunmilayo Olopade, the chairman of the newly inaugurated NHRC, during her acceptance speech thanked the minister and members of the committee for the trust and confidence bestowed on her.
Olopade said: “I left the shore of Nigeria over 40 years ago in charge of knowledge, accepting this role is a tremendous honour for me.
“I want to thank President Bola Tinubu for making healthy research a priority for Nigerians because this will play a pivotal role in achieving sustainable development not only for our country but for other countries that are looking up to Nigeria to step up”.
Babatunde Salako, the director-general of NIMR who spoke earlier, commended the minister for selecting experts who have contributed nationally and globally to health research to the committee.
“The person chairing this committee is someone that is known globally in the world of research, likewise other members.
“The minister’s zeal and passion for health research to move from where it is to an advanced level has driven him to assemble members of the committee.
Other members of the committee chaired by Olopade are Bala Sanni, Babatunde Salako, Zarki Abubakar and Nosiru Shaibu.
Others are Obi Adigwe, Mayowa Owolabi, Christian Happi, Stephen Abah, Ibrahim Abubakar.
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