Prof. Akin Abayomi, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, has urged sustained efforts to combat malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis, emphasizing that these illnesses are still being battled.
Although there has been some success in lowering the prevalence of these illnesses, Abayomi insisted that in order to guarantee their eradication, Africa needs to keep funding research, treatment, and prevention.
According to the World Health Organization, those without access to healthcare are disproportionately afflicted by HIV, TB, and Malaria.
The WHO states that HIV, TB, and malaria are illnesses of poverty and marginalization that disproportionately affect people that are already chronically underprivileged.
The global health organization emphasized that although there has been a noticeable decline in the overall burden of each disease over the last ten years, some population groups continue to experience greater rates of disease mortality and morbidity as well as less access to interventions that can save lives.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the annual retreat held in Lagos on Wednesday, the health commissioner stressed the need for continued investment in public health infrastructure, including clinics and laboratories, to ensure that everyone has access to the care they need.
WANETAM’s annual retreat is a convergence of health researchers throughout West African countries to reflect on significant milestones reached, achievements recognized, and design a course to eradication of tropical illnesses in the area.
Abayomi claims that there are still major issues that need to be resolved even with the success made in lowering the prevalence of TB, HIV, and malaria.
Further study is required to “assess the effectiveness of the current disease interventions and the response programs to collate and review the efficacy and outcome data with a view to quality and service improvement,” according to the commissioner, who was represented by Dr. Ademola Adewoyin.
“There is no doubt that malaria, tuberculosis, and aids are serious public health concerns,” he continued. Millions of people worldwide are still impacted by these three illnesses, which pose serious risks to individuals, groups, and even entire countries.”
“There is no denying that we have advanced significantly in the fight against this illness. There have been notable breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of many diseases as a result of international cooperation, medical research advancements, and increased public health awareness.
“It is imperative to acknowledge that the struggle is far from finished. To attain more sustained control of these diseases, a great deal more work needs to be done.
“Operational research will maximize current diagnostic and therapeutic capability across the programs and the corresponding stakeholders, providing a pathway for future service integration across these disorders.”
Conducting fundamental transitional and clinical trials will be necessary to investigate novel compounds, therapeutic targets, and noble biomarkers that could potentially enhance therapy outcomes.
“Investing in research and development, bolstering the current healthcare system, raising public health awareness, and addressing the social and economic factors that contribute to the spread of AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis are all imperative.”
The health commissioner also emphasized the significance of cooperation between the government, private industry, nongovernmental organizations, and global communities.
Prof. Babatunde Salako, the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, bemoaned the fact that diseases linked to poverty, like HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and other neglected tropical illnesses, continue to cause a high death rate in Africa.
Salako stated that WANETAM was founded as a network in 2009 to provide long-term solutions for the sub-region regarding TB, AIDS, and malaria. Prof. Olaoluwa Akinwale, who is Salako’s deputy, was in attendance.
According to what he disclosed, WANETAM is a network that has expanded since its founding to include 25 institutions from 12 West African countries and 5 institutions from four European countries.
In addition to noninfectious disorders, the NIMR DG pointed out that the institute has broadened its research portfolio to include other infections. Of these, Nigeria is considered to have a high burden of HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria, the three main infectious diseases.
He declared, “The following work packages—tuberculosis, malaria, HIV, NTD/Ebola, and cross-cutting training and project management—are where WANETAM carries out its strategic aims.
“NIMR is the top medical research organization in Nigeria and has led the way in yellow fever research since the 1920s.
“NIMR has broadened the scope of its study over the years to include infections other than noninfectious diseases, particularly the three major infectious diseases—malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS—of which Nigeria is considered a high burden country.
“NIMR was a founding member of the group that provided funding for WANETAM in 2009.” NIMR is working on HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis today. Through exchange programs, technical support, and training, NIMR has greatly benefited from the network.
Numerous employees have profited from post-doctoral fellowships, grant applications with partner institutions, and laboratory-based training.
Their program for the quality management system and technical support were beneficial to the Center for Tuberculosis and Research in NIMR. We are hosting the 2024 annual retreat today, which will provide the network a chance to evaluate successes, identify obstacles, and consider how to best sculpt the future.
“I’m hopeful that my time here will have an impact on WANETAM’s ability to lead clinical trials in the West African subregion going forward.”
