The experts made the call in Abuja on Monday at the scientific seminar of the International Research Centre of Excellence of the Institute of Human Virology in Nigeria to mark the commissioning of the IHVN Campus with the theme ‘Addressing local health challenges through quality research and partnerships.’
Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of IHVN, Dr Patrick Dakum, said Nigeria has the intellectual capacity for research activities, but the government needs to fund research.
Dr Dakum said, “We have the intellectual capacity in Nigeria, all we need is for the government to open the opportunity, especially on funding. Go to the universities and ask them how much it is in terms of naira; that is their research budget. It is very minimal, and the government must be deliberate in funding research because development depends a lot on research. If we neglect research, we will neglect the future.
“For us, we will continue to advocate and show the data to the government for them to take action, and we will continue to work with the agencies of the government.”
Dakum also urged the private sector to contribute to the health sector.
“At IHVN, science and data define and guide the work that we do in implementing public health programmes; in caring for and treating people infected and affected by infectious and non-communicable diseases. With research, we are gradually improving science and technology for the benefit of society and public health.
“As we utilise the knowledge gained through research, we will continue to expand the capacity of the country to provide quality health interventions for its people.
“Considering the strategic role that research plays, IRCE has become the future of IHVN. It is a future that sustains a world-class platform for the implementation of research and clinical trials at international standards as part of global networks. It is also a future that continues to facilitate capacity building for researchers to excel in undertaking research of the highest scientific and ethical standards.”
Also speaking, the Executive Director at the IRCE of the IHVN, Prof Alash’le Abimiku, also said there is a funding gap in the country.
“A lot of funding that we get is through grants, and we should do that because we are scientists, but the government plays a role in funding research. Funding helps to support health infrastructure and services and we must fund research
“For research and discovery, the government has to put some money there so that all young researchers can be certain of getting a certain amount of money that they can work on over years; the discovery may come after two years, 10 years, or more,” she said.
The don emphasised that the centre is committed to addressing local health challenges through quality research and partnerships.
“Our research must have scientific rigour and be tailored to the specific needs of our local communities, with appreciation and understanding of cultural nuances, and the need to partner with local health providers, community organisations, government agencies, and international collaborators,” she added.
