By Fatima Saka
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has emphasized the need for increased resources in diagnostic laboratories to combat health-related diseases in Nigeria.
He noted that this aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Strategic Health Sector Blueprint, which aim to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Dr. Salako made this statement on Tuesday in Abuja at the Maiden Edition of the National Summit on Diagnostics (NSDN), themed “Unlocking Healthcare Value Chains and Improving Universal Health Coverage through Integrated Diagnostic Services.”
Diagnostics as the Backbone of Healthcare
Speaking on the theme, Dr. Salako stressed that diagnostics are a critical component of healthcare, essential for disease identification, detection, characterization, and treatment, as well as 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 stated.
He underscored the importance of an integrated diagnostic framework, noting that without quality diagnostics, achieving the four pillars of the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative would be impossible.
“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. Without a well-integrated diagnostic system, our aspirations for improved healthcare and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) will remain unattainable.”
Dr. Salako urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions and develop actionable strategies that would position Nigeria as a global hub for healthcare manufacturing within the next five years.
He also called on government agencies, international development partners, private sector actors, and professional associations to collaborate in ensuring the continuous integration of diagnostic services into the healthcare system.
COVID-19: A Lesson in Diagnostic Preparedness
Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Salako highlighted how it underscored the indispensable role of diagnostics in managing public health emergencies.
“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 further emphasized that a robust diagnostic system is essential for disease surveillance, health data management, and timely interventions.
Permanent Secretary Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Diagnostics
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 Nigeria’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 also highlighted the importance of technical presentations, panel discussions, and exhibitions at the summit, which would showcase cutting-edge diagnostic technologies.
Prof. Tomori Criticizes NCDC’s Role in Diagnostics
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Oyewale Tomori criticized the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for its approach to diagnostics, stressing that building 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 also called for a restructuring of the NCDC, suggesting that it should focus on research, policy development, and coordination rather than direct 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. What about the rest? Why are we diagnosing only 10%? These are the questions the NCDC should be answering.”
Stakeholders Pledge Support for Diagnostic Reform
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, highlighting the summit’s role in elevating Nigeria’s healthcare system.
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Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), emphasized the crucial role of diagnostics in disease prevention, health detection, and effective treatment.
The WHO Country Representative reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s laboratory systems, stating that robust diagnostics are essential for achieving UHC, improving disease surveillance, and ensuring timely and accurate diagnoses.
“WHO has continuously supported Nigeria’s healthcare transformation, contributing to key milestones such as the revision of the National Medical Laboratory Service Policy, the development of the National Medical Lab Strategic Plan, and the integration of laboratory services into national health strategies.”
Distinct News reports that The National Summit on Diagnostics has underscored the urgent need for investment in diagnostic infrastructure, personnel, and integration into the broader healthcare system. Stakeholders have called for sustainable policies, collaboration, and innovative solutions to transform Nigeria’s diagnostic landscape and ensure quality healthcare for all.
