Driving investment in health research to tackle viral outbreaks

Executive Director of the IRCE at IHVN, Prof. Alash’le Abimiku; the Chief Executive Officer of IHVN, Dr. Patrick Dakum; and the Director-General of NACA, Dr. Temitope Ilori at the symposium. Photo Credit: IHVN

Experts Push for Investment in Health Research to Tackle Viral Outbreaks

As viral disease outbreaks continue to challenge public health systems across Africa, experts are intensifying calls for increased investment in health research to bolster preparedness and response.

This urgent appeal was the centerpiece of the 3rd International Research Centre of Excellence (IRCE) Scientific Symposium held in Abuja, Nigeria, in September 2025. 

Organized by the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), the event brought together leading researchers, policymakers, and international partners to confront the growing threat of viral epidemics.

Nigeria, currently ranked 12th globally for epidemic risk according to the INFORM Index for Risk Management, is grappling with multiple outbreaks including Lassa fever, yellow fever, monkeypox (mpox), and dengue. These diseases are straining an already fragile healthcare infrastructure, prompting experts to emphasize the critical role of research in understanding transmission patterns, developing diagnostics, and informing public health strategies.

Professor Alash’le Abimiku, Executive Director of the IRCE, underscored the importance of translating research into actionable policies. She lamented the country’s failure to implement long-standing knowledge about Lassa fever prevention, noting that despite knowing the link between food contamination and rodent exposure, preventive messaging has not effectively reached vulnerable communities. According to her, “Unless we do research, we are working in the dark,” a sentiment echoed by many at the symposium.

Patrick Dakum, CEO of IHVN, stressed that research is essential not only for identifying disease hotspots but also for adapting diagnostic tools to local contexts. He warned that with international funding in decline, countries like Nigeria must rethink their approach to epidemic preparedness. The symposium, he said, was designed to sharpen Nigeria’s response by identifying the most pressing viral threats and determining how limited resources should be allocated.

Tosin Afowowe, representing the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), highlighted systemic challenges such as inadequate funding, poor coordination, and weak vaccination coverage. These issues, he noted, hinder the country’s ability to mount a robust defense against viral threats. The experts agreed that without a strategic shift toward domestic financing and innovative partnerships, Nigeria risks being unprepared for future pandemics.

The symposium also served as a platform to advocate for stronger collaboration between government agencies and research institutions. Dr. Charles Olalekan Mensah, Managing Director of IHVN, called for health budgets to allocate at least 10–30% toward research, arguing that implementation without scientific backing is destined to fail. He announced the construction of a 1,000-seater Learning and Development Centre to foster global collaboration and knowledge exchange, positioning IHVN as a hub of excellence in viral research.

As the world braces for the next pandemic, the message from Abuja is clear: investment in health research is not optional, it is a strategic necessity. Without it, countries risk navigating future outbreaks blindly, repeating past mistakes, and losing lives that could have been saved through informed, science-driven action.