- Nigeria Urged to Strengthen Diagnostic Laboratories for Improved Healthcare
- Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has emphasized the urgent need for increased investment in diagnostic laboratories
- He noted that improving diagnostic infrastructure aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda
Comfort Olayinka
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has emphasized the urgent need for increased investment in diagnostic laboratories to enhance disease detection and treatment in Nigeria.
Speaking at the Maiden Edition of the National Summit on Diagnostics (NSDN) in Abuja, themed “Unlocking Healthcare Value Chains and Improving Universal Health Coverage through Integrated Diagnostic Services,” Dr. Salako stressed that diagnostics play a fundamental role in the healthcare system.
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He noted that improving diagnostic infrastructure aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Strategic Health Sector Blueprint, both of which aim to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
Dr. Salako underscored the critical role of diagnostics in disease identification, outbreak monitoring, and improved patient outcomes.
“The National Summit on Diagnostics provides a unique platform to highlight the role of diagnostics in delivering an efficient, effective, resilient, and responsive health system,” he said.
He further noted that achieving the four pillars of the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative would be impossible without a robust diagnostic framework.
“At the heart of the healthcare value chain lies diagnostic services. They are the cornerstone of accurate disease detection, effective treatment planning, and continuous patient monitoring,” he stated.
The minister called on stakeholders, including government agencies, international development partners, and private sector players, to collaborate on integrating diagnostic services into Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Salako highlighted how it exposed weaknesses in Nigeria’s diagnostic capabilities and the need for a stronger system.
“Leveraging lessons from the pandemic allows us to build a stronger diagnostic ecosystem—one that not only meets routine healthcare needs but also enhances national health security and pandemic preparedness,” he noted.
He emphasized that a well-developed diagnostic system is crucial for disease surveillance, health data management, and timely medical interventions.
In her welcome address, Daju Kachollom Shangti, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, represented by Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh, reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s health system through integrated diagnostic services.
“Diagnostics influence over 70% of medical decisions, yet accessibility, technology, and infrastructure gaps persist. This summit provides a crucial opportunity to evaluate progress, identify obstacles, and formulate actionable strategies to transform Nigeria’s diagnostic landscape,” she said.
She also highlighted the role of technical presentations, panel discussions, and exhibitions in showcasing cutting-edge diagnostic technologies that could revolutionize healthcare in Nigeria.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Oyewale Tomori criticized the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for its approach to diagnostics, arguing that merely establishing laboratories without sustainable support is ineffective.
“It’s not just about building labs; it’s about sustaining them. We need to ensure that labs are well-equipped with resources, personnel, and continuous support,” he stated.
He also suggested restructuring the NCDC, emphasizing that the agency should focus on research, policy development, and coordination rather than directly handling diagnostic activities.
“The NCDC should not be running around making diagnoses—it should be researching and addressing Nigeria’s health problems. Every year, we report thousands of suspected Lassa fever cases but diagnose only a fraction. Why are we diagnosing only 10%? These are the questions the NCDC should be answering,” he argued.
Several organizations, including NMOD, NACA, PVAC, WHO, Molbio, Illumina/ISN, Cepheid, Codix/SD Biosensor, Synlab, CHAI, FIND, Everight, and STOP TB Partnership, delivered goodwill messages at the summit, expressing their commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Speaking to the press, Mr. Elom Emeka, Head of Division and organizer of the summit, stated that the event was designed to foster engagement with global stakeholders to attract investments in Nigeria’s diagnostic sector.
“In Nigeria, we have a capable team that can achieve the healthcare goals we envision. We are engaging stakeholders worldwide to explore opportunities for investment and collaboration,” he said.
He added that the summit would increase awareness among Nigerians about the advancements in diagnostics and position the country as a leader in healthcare innovation.
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“The Nigerian people will get to know what is happening, and the country will also understand the global innovations we need to integrate into our healthcare system,” he concluded.
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