The Federal Government has inaugurated the National Health Research Committee (NHRC) to facilitate research collaboration across various health disciplines and institutions in the country.
The NHRC, which would serve as a vanguard of health research in the country, encompasses several pillars, including innovation and technology, disease surveillance, early warning system, equity and access, translational research and implementation science, community-centric research, capacity building, and collaboration.
Lafiya360 reports that the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, inaugurated the 13-man Committee at a programme which was held at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) in Lagos.
The Minister said, “The establishment of this committee marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey towards 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.”
In his remarks, the Chairman of the newly inaugurated NHRC, Prof. Olufunmilayo Olopade, assured the Government of his Committee’s commitment to ensuring that it delivers on its mandate to boost the research activities and efforts across the country.
“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,” he said.
The other members of the Committee are Prof. Bala Sanni, Prof Babatunde Salako, Prof. Zarki Abubakar, Prof. Nosiru Shaibu, Dr Obi Adigwe, Prof. Mayowa Owolabi, Prof. Christian Happi, Prof. Stephen Abah, and Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar.
The Director-General of NIMR, Prof. Babatunde Salako, added, “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.”