Health experts in Nigeria have emphasized the need for the country to scale up healthcare innovations and translate them into practical solutions that address the sector's challenges. They noted that innovations such as genomic research, artificial intelligence, digital health, and point-of-care technology would have limited impact without political commitment, effective implementation, and community participation. This call was made at the 11th Future of Health Conference, where experts discussed how existing solutions could be deployed and scaled to address pressing healthcare challenges.
Erasmus Morah, senior adviser to the Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, highlighted the importance of effective leadership, political commitment, and community involvement in transforming healthcare. He cited Nigeria's progress in HIV treatment coverage, which stood at about 33 percent in 2017 before a national survey helped revise estimates of the number of people living with HIV. Morah emphasized that science without politics is powerless and that politics without science is dangerous. He called for implementation coalitions led by local champions and shaped by affected communities to ensure that major health innovations produce lasting results.
Vivianne Ihekweazu, managing director of Nigeria Health Watch, said the conference aimed to shift attention from discussing future innovations to examining existing solutions addressing health challenges and how they could be scaled. She emphasized that innovations must translate into practical improvements for people who need healthcare immediately. Ihekweazu noted that a pregnant woman cannot wait for some innovation in two years' time to get better, she needs that innovation right now.
The conference featured innovation showcases and sessions on digital health, maternal healthcare, family planning, vaccine research, and climate-resilient health facilities. Ify Aniebo, a molecular geneticist, discussed how genomic research, artificial intelligence, and machine learning could help Nigeria identify malaria drug resistance and guide more targeted interventions. Her team reduced the cost of sequencing malaria parasites from about $150 to $20 per sample and developed a dashboard and WhatsApp interface to make complex genetic data more accessible to policymakers.
Ifeyinwa Rhodes-Vivour, founder of AfroScientric, also highlighted the potential of genomic sequencing in identifying genetic differences and resistance patterns among malaria parasites across communities. She noted that conventional epidemiological approaches alone might not provide sufficient information about the genetic characteristics of parasites, particularly as drug resistance threatens the effectiveness of existing treatments. Rhodes-Vivour said laboratory innovations had reduced sequencing costs, making it possible to support evidence-based interventions tailored to different locations.
Ikechukwu Anoke of Zuri Health emphasized the role of technology in connecting people in underserved communities with healthcare providers, particularly in areas with limited medical personnel. He called for screening services to be taken directly to communities where access to health workers is limited, noting that early detection could prevent deaths from treatable conditions. Anoke highlighted that healthcare innovation should extend beyond medical equipment to include practical solutions that make services more accessible and affordable.
Chidinma Anyanwu of Project HOPE discussed the organization's efforts to deploy point-of-care ultrasound technology and train healthcare workers to identify high-risk pregnancies early and reduce maternal deaths. She recounted a case of a rural woman who died during childbirth due to prolonged labour and transfers between health facilities. Anyanwu said timely screening and ultrasound could have identified the pregnancy complication and enabled health workers to plan appropriate care. Project HOPE is strengthening 10 health facilities in Kwara State with ultrasound equipment and training.
Key points
- Experts emphasize the need for Nigeria to translate healthcare innovations into practical solutions that address sector challenges and improve access to care.
- Effective leadership, political commitment, and community involvement are crucial in transforming healthcare in Nigeria.
- Innovations such as genomic research, artificial intelligence, and point-of-care technology can improve health outcomes if scaled up and implemented effectively.
