Innovation, collaboration critical to strengthen Nigeria’s health system – NMA

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) says innovation, collaboration, and relentless commitment to equality will strengthen Nigeria’s health system and reshape the future of global health.

Its first Vice-President, Dr Benjamin Olowojebutu, said this in an interview with journalists on Tuesday in Lagos.

Olowojebutu said that Nigeria must rethink its approach to medical education and research as it explores opportunities for health innovation.

“Historically, much of the research and development in medicine has been tailored to the needs of high-income countries.

“However, diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS still devastate populations in Africa. There is a dire need for localised research—driven by the realities and challenges of African health systems.

“Imagine a future where every Nigerian medical school can produce innovations that directly address the health needs of our communities.

“Where public health research is not exported to the West but cultivated here at home, with solutions created by Africans for Africans,” he said.

According to him, this is where the role of future Nigerian doctors becomes pivotal, adding that the future of healthcare innovation lies in the hands of medical students.

“Medical students, the future of healthcare innovation lies in your hands.

“You are in a unique position to challenge existing paradigms and ensure that the innovations of tomorrow reflect the realities of all populations, not just the privileged few.

“We need your creativity, tenacity, and understanding of healthcare’s technological and social dimensions,” he said.

Olowojebutu noted that bridging the global health gap should be urgently addressed, as Nigeria and many developing countries have witnessed profound healthcare access inequalities.

“Across sub-Saharan Africa, over half a billion people lack access to basic medical services. In some areas, it’s not just a question of availability but affordability and quality.

“The statistics speak for themselves: maternal mortality rates in low-income countries are 14 times higher than those in high-income countries.

“Millions of children under the age of five die every year from preventable diseases.

“How is it that many people are still left behind in a world of unprecedented medical advances?

“This global health gap is not simply a reflection of economic disparity—it is a reflection of our failure to distribute medical knowledge, innovation, and resources equitably,” he said.

According to him, the burden of disease weighs heaviest on those least equipped to handle it.

“We must remind ourselves that behind every statistic is a human life, a family, and a community. These are not just numbers; these are preventable tragedies,” he said.

He emphasised that health innovation had the potential to rewrite the narrative, extending technological breakthroughs to transform health policy, medical devices, and the restructuring of healthcare systems.

Olowojebutu said that with the advent of telemedicine, remote diagnostics, and AI-powered health solutions, the barriers of distance, geography, and even financial limitations begin to crumble.

He noted that innovative platforms are already revolutionizing access to healthcare in many parts of Africa.

Olowojebutu emphasised that collaboration was critical to bridging the global health gap, saying no single organisation, government, or institution can solve these challenges alone.