By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
Physicians at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) have called for unity in science-driven healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the call was part of Lectures presentation at the 2026 commemoration of World Health Organisation (WHO) Day organised in Ilorin, themed: “Together for Health: Stand with Science.”
The programme was organised by the Department of Epidemiology and Community Health of UITH, in collaboration with the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN).
In his Lecture, A Consultant Neurologist at UITH, Prof. Kolawole Abdulwahab, emphasised the need for unity in science-driven healthcare from disease prevention and control to improved diagnostics and treatment.
His lecture was entitled: “Building Multisectoral Research Partnerships for a Healthier and Safer Population: Lessons from Global Scientific Networks.”
The expert stated that it has become necessary to bring researchers, government, and the media together to build multisectoral collaboration in solving challenges in the health sector.
Abdulwahab reiterated the need for collaboration rather than isolated efforts, urging researchers to work closely with industry stakeholders to develop practical solutions to identified health challenges.
He added that involving relevant stakeholders from the conceptual stage of research would make implementation of findings easier.
Also speaking, Prof. Nusirat Elelu
the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, identified humans, animals, and the environment as key components of the One Health approach.
She spoke on the topic titled: “Fostering a Healthier and Safer Future for All Using the One Health Approach: The Role of Government”.
“Many diseases affecting humans are transmitted from animals, the environment, and are also influenced by climate change.
“More than 75 percent of diseases emerging or re-emerging are zoonotic including anthrax, rabies and COVID-19,” she said.
Elelu recommended strong government commitment and ownership to ensure sustainable financing for One Health activities.
She also emphasized the need for policies and enforcement of laws addressing the human-animal-environment interface.
“This includes regulation of wildlife trade, enforcement of food safety standards, and integration of human and animal disease surveillance systems to curb disease transmission,” she said.
On his part, a Proffessor of Community Medicine in UITH, Prof. Sunday Aderibigbe, in his lecture titled: “Together for Science: Advancing One Health and Evidence-Driven Public Health in Nigeria.” described healthcare delivery as a collective responsibility.
He advised on integrated solutions, noting that no sector can function effectively in isolation.
Earlier in his welcoming address, Prof Uthman Mubashir, the Head of Department, Epidemiology and Community Health pointed out that the lectures are topical and important for the health of all as it emphasises on ” One Health.
Mubashir noted that the One Health approach, advocated by WHO, recognizes that human, animal, and environmental health are interconnected.
He added that the department of Epidemiology has always been at the forefront in orgnaising the annual event, while commending the hospital management for the support.
