Abuja: Dr Lola Adeyemi, a public health expert, has called on stakeholders to promote research in clinical trials for cancer control to enhance understanding of Nigeria’s unique cancer patterns. Adeyemi, who is also the Special Adviser to the Minister of State for Health on Research and Innovation, made the call during a news conference in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adeyemi emphasized that promoting clinical trial research is a crucial part of cancer care as it would generate locally relevant data and interventions. She stated that integrating cancer control into Nigeria’s Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC) agenda would not only save lives but also reduce the long-term economic and social costs associated with the disease.
Adeyemi highlighted prevention as the most effective tool for cancer control and noted that progress could be achieved with appropriate investments and strategies. She urged the scaling up of screening services and diagnostics to ensure widespread access to cancer screening, emphasizing its affordability and impact on individuals and their families. Prioritizing prevention, early detection, and research are essential steps in this process.
On broader health matters, Adeyemi pointed out that innovation, data, and partnerships are key to transforming Nigeria’s healthcare system into a more resilient one. While acknowledging milestones in healthcare delivery, she identified areas that require further improvement. As a physician-scientist and healthcare entrepreneur, she underscored the importance of primary healthcare as the foundation of a robust system.
Adeyemi stressed that primary healthcare is vital for improving the Nigerian healthcare system and that everyone should have the right to care. She noted challenges with healthcare financing and advocated for technology to bridge existing gaps. However, she warned that healthcare delivery would not succeed if it remained a privilege rather than a universal right.
Her remarks also included the significance of universal access powered by accountability and innovation. Adeyemi advocated for integrating public-private partnership models to enhance healthcare delivery, suggesting that the government should provide regulatory support while the private sector and non-profit actors innovate service delivery.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Adeyemi aims to leverage her experience to bridge healthcare disparities and promote equitable access to quality healthcare in Nigeria and other emerging markets.