Experts advocate synergy in science-driven healthcare delivery
By Mustafa Abubakar and Maryam Abdullahi
Physicians have called for greater unity in advancing science-driven healthcare delivery as part of efforts towards addressing pressing health challenges across the nation.
This call was made last Wednesday (April 8, 2026) at a lecture organised to commemorate the 2026 World Health Day in Ilorin, themed “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” organised by the Department of Epidemiology and Community Health in collaboration with the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN).
Delivering a lecture, titled “Building Multisectoral Research Partnerships for a Healthier and Safer Population: Lessons from Global Scientific Networks,” Prof. Kolawole Wasiu Wahab of the Faculty of Clinical Science, University of Ilorin, stressed the need for collaborations in healthcare, from disease prevention and control to improved diagnostics and treatment.
Prof. Wahab emphasised that addressing health challenges requires coordinated efforts among researchers, the government, and the media, rather than isolated initiatives.
Also speaking, Prof. Nusirat Elelu of the Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilorin, highlighted the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health under the One Health approach.
According to her, over 75 per cent of emerging and re-emerging diseases are zoonotic, including anthrax, rabies, and COVID-19.
Prof. Elelu called for stronger government commitment, sustainable financing, and enforcement of policies that would address the human-animal-environment interface, including regulation of wildlife trade, food safety standards, and integrated disease surveillance systems.
In another lecture, titled “Together for Science: Advancing One Health and Evidence-Driven Public Health in Nigeria,” Prof. Sunday Adedeji Aderibigbe of the Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Ilorin, described healthcare delivery as a collective responsibility, stressing that no sector can function effectively in isolation.
Earlier, the Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, Prof. Uthman Mubashir, noted that the theme underscores the importance of the One Health concept, which recognises the link between human, animal, and environmental health.
He added that the Department has consistently led the organisation of the annual event and commended the management for its continued support.
