Academy calls for increased biomedical funding to tackle diseases and prepare for future health crises.
The Academy of Medical Sciences of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to prioritize biomedical research funding. The urgent appeal aims to develop affordable treatments for various diseases and strengthen national readiness against future pandemics.
This critical call was issued during the Academy's 2026 Annual Scientific Conference, held on Friday at the Marriott Hotel in Ikeja GRA, Lagos State. Experts gathered under a focused theme to discuss genetic integration into clinical care.
According to information published by punchng, sustained financial backing for genomic research will drastically improve local healthcare delivery, generate employment, and boost national disease management, according to information published by punchng.
Economic Returns on Biomedical Research Investment
Keynote speaker Azeez Butali, a professor from the University of Iowa, highlighted the massive economic advantages of scientific funding. He noted that every dollar invested in the Human Genome Project returned approximately 141 dollars globally.
Professor Butali stressed that robust funding would help local scientists develop affordable treatments for sickle cell disease. He lamented that many Nigerian patients currently cannot afford expensive interventions like bone marrow transplantation due to financial constraints.
Furthermore, the expert warned that Nigeria remains vulnerable to future disease outbreaks without proper vaccine development infrastructure. He criticized the current reactive approach of merely shutting ports during health scares like Ebola and COVID-19.
Inclusion of African Genomes in Genetic Studies
Lily Paemka, an associate professor from the University of Ghana, emphasized the critical importance of incorporating African genomes into global genetic studies. She noted that Caucasian populations currently dominate about 98 percent of existing research data.
Speaking at the Lagos conference, Paemka explained that Africa's high genetic diversity offers an unprecedented source of data to identify novel disease-causing genes. This diversity creates unique opportunities for advancing precision medicine across the continent.
She also addressed cancer awareness in Africa, noting that late presentation combined with aggressive forms of breast cancer, multiple myeloma, and prostate cancer severely reduces patient survival rates across the region.
Call for a National Centre for Genomic Diseases
Oladapo Ashiru, the Foundation President of the Academy, urged the Federal Government to establish a dedicated national centre for genomic diseases. He confirmed that Nigeria has successfully trained enough experts to advance genomic medicine domestically.
Ashiru pointed out that the country currently relies heavily on foreign collaborations to perform genetic testing for inherited conditions before birth. Stronger government support would harness local expertise and improve national health policies.
Citizens were also encouraged to actively participate in community-based research and collaborate with scientists. Public engagement remains essential to debunking myths, especially regarding cancer and environmental health challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Academy of Medical Sciences of Nigeria urge FG funding?
The Academy urged the Federal Government to fund genomic research to develop affordable treatments for diseases like sickle cell disease and prepare Nigeria for future pandemics.
Who delivered the keynote address at the 2026 conference in Lagos?
Azeez Butali, the Gilbert Lilly Endowed Professor of Diagnostic Sciences at the University of Iowa, delivered the keynote address at the Marriott Hotel in Ikeja GRA.
What did Lily Paemka recommend regarding African genomes?
Lily Paemka recommended greater inclusion of African genomes in genetic studies to leverage the continent's high genetic diversity and discover novel disease-causing genes.
What specific recommendation did Prof. Oladapo Ashiru make?
Prof. Oladapo Ashiru called on the Federal Government to establish a national centre for genomic diseases to utilize trained local experts and improve healthcare delivery.
