Dr Tunji Alausa Launches NHREC Electronic Platform to Enhance Health Research

The Nigerian government on Friday launched the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC) Electronic Platform.

The NHREC electronic platform is expected to streamline the review process, reducing delays and redundancies while promoting transparency.

This innovation is also anticipated to make Nigeria’s health research more robust and competitive on the global stage.

The launch, held at the Sheraton Hotel in Lagos, was attended by key stakeholders, researchers, policymakers, and international partners, including the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC).

In his keynote address, Dr Morufu Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, described the platform as a pivotal moment in the nation’s healthcare journey, marking a new era of efficiency, transparency, and governance in the ethical conduct of health research.

Dr Alausa expressed deep gratitude to the US CDC for their unwavering support and sponsorship, crediting their collaboration as a driving force behind the project.

He noted that the US CDC’s expertise, resources, and guidance had been instrumental in bringing the platform to life, empowering Nigeria to further uphold the highest standards in health research ethics.

Full text of his speech below;

“It is with great pleasure that I stand before you today at this significant moment in Nigeria’s healthcare journey—the official launch of the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC) Electronic Platform.

“This remarkable milestone marks a new era of efficiency, transparency, and enhanced governance in the ethical conduct of health research across our nation.

“First and foremost, I extend my deep gratitude to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) for their unwavering support and sponsorship in making this vision a reality.

“The US CDC has been a true partner in our collective efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s health systems, and today’s achievement is a testament to the profound impact of international collaboration.

“Your expertise, resources, and guidance have paved the way for this transformative platform, which will empower Nigeria to further uphold the highest standards in health research ethics.

“The NHREC electronic platform is more than just a technological tool—it is a promise of integrity and accountability in health research. It will provide a seamless and centralized system for the ethical review and approval of research proposals, ensuring that all health research in Nigeria adheres to global standards and protects the rights, dignity, and safety of participants.

“This platform will not only improve the efficiency of the review process but also enhance transparency, reduce delays, and eliminate redundancies, making our health research landscape more robust and competitive on the global stage.

“In a country as diverse and dynamic as Nigeria, health research plays a crucial role in understanding and addressing the unique health challenges we face. It informs policies, improves clinical practices, and provides the data necessary to drive innovation in healthcare delivery.

“With the NHREC electronic platform, we now have the capacity to further optimize health research in ways that promote equity, protect public health, and, most importantly, ensure that the people at the heart of this research—the patients and communities—are safeguarded.

 “This serves as another accomplishment in the health research landscape of Nigeria, following the maiden edition of the National Strategic Meeting on Health Research Development and Innovation which brought together the esteemed members of the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC) and National Health Research Committee (NHRC), under one roof.

“Also, experts, policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders were joined in this meeting, all united by a common purpose: to advance the health and well-being of our nation through the power of research and innovation.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is a significant leap forward for health research governance in Nigeria, and also a big step towards a healthier, more resilient future for all Nigerians. As we move forward with this platform, let us remember that our collective success depends on the continued collaboration and partnership of all stakeholders—researchers, institutions, regulators, and our international partners.

“I must commend His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for his visionary leadership and commitment to elevating the health sector. His dedication is evident in the ongoing efforts to reform healthcare infrastructure, improve workforce capacity and enhance service delivery.

“This commitment inspires us to continue working tirelessly to fulfil the goals set out in the Renewed Hope Agenda and to ensure that our healthcare system is equipped to meet the needs of every Nigerian

“Once again, I would like to thank the US CDC for their invaluable support, as well as all their technical partners, especially PHIS3, who helped bring this platform to life, but most importantly the Chairman and members of NHREC who have worked tirelessly to change the narrative of research ethics since their inauguration.”

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