In a bid to counter the health challenges in Nigeria's health sector, some health experts have urged the federal government to improve its spending on domestic research.
This happened at an event held at the scientific seminar of the International Research Centre of Excellence of the Institute of Human Virology in Nigeria(IHVN). The event which was held in Abuja on Monday was themed 'Addressing local health challenges through quality research and partnerships.’
Dr Patrick Dakum, the CEO of IHVN said that the government needs to fund research in the health sector to support the intellectual capacity of Nigerians.
He encouraged the government to visit universities, identify brilliant ideas, and provide funds to assist them in going further with research.
Dakum also urged the private sector to contribute to the country's health sector. All that IHVN is clamoring for is to improve the current status of Nigeria's science and technology with research.
“At IHVN, science and data define and guide the work that we do in implementing public health programs; 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," he says.
Prof. Alash’le Abimiku, the Executive Director at the IRCE of the IHVN, also urged the government to bridge the funding gap in the country. Doing that will enable researchers to kickstart their research and make new discoveries, all in an attempt to improve the health services of the country.