By Our Correspondent
Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, on Thursday, inaugurated the National Health Research Committee (NHRC) to boost translational research on health-related issues.
Dr Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, inaugurated the 13-man Committee at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) in Yaba, Lagos.
Alausa said the vision of the Tinubu-led administration for health research “anchors on the pursuit of excellence, innovation and inclusivity”.
The minister said NHRC would serve as vanguard of health research to facilitate collaboration across various health disciplines and institutions.
“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 to improve the health of every Nigerian.
This approach integrates scientific excellence, technological innovation, community engagement and global collaborations.
“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 our diverse population faces,” he said.
According to Alausa, the Tinubu-led government’s vision for health research encompasses several pillars.
These include innovation and technology, disease surveillance and an early warning system.
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Others are equity and access, translational research and implementation science, community-centric research, capacity building and collaboration.
He commended NHRC members for accepting the responsibility that will propel the nation to the forefront of health research.
Also speaking, Prof. Babatunde Salako, the Director-General of NIMR, commended the minister for selecting experts who have contributed nationally and globally to health research on the committee.
“The person chairing this committee is someone that is known globally in the world of research, likewise other members.
“The minister’s passion for health research, to advance to higher level has driven him to assemble members of the committee.
In her acceptance speech, Prof. Olufunmilayo Olopade, the Chairman of the NHRC, thanked the minister and members of the committee for the trust and confidence reposed in her.
Olopade remarked that she left Nigeria over 40 years ago in search of knowledge and that accepting this role was a tremendous honour for her.
“I want to thank President Bola Tinubu for making healthy research a priority for Nigerians.
“This will play a pivotal role in achieving sustainable development, not only for Nigeria, but other countries that look up to us to step up,” she said.
Other members of the NHRC are Prof. Bala Sanni, Prof. Babatunde Salako, Prof. Zarki Abubakar and Prof. Nosiru Shaibu.
Dr Obi Adigwe, Prof. Mayowa Owolabi, Prof. Christian Happi, Prof. Stephen Abah and Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar are also members.
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