WHD: Invest more in health research, WHO urges Osun 

The World Health Organisation has called on the Osun State Government to step up domestic investment in science, research and innovation across its health and academic institutions.

WHO warned that the region cannot overcome its mounting health challenges without a stronger commitment to evidence-based action.

The charge was delivered in Osogbo on Tuesday by the Osun WHO Coordinator, Oluwatoyin Ojediran, at a joint event organised by the state government and the WHO to mark this year’s World Health Day, themed Together for Health, Stand with Science.

Ojediran noted that the life-saving treatments and disease prevention tools available today are the product of decades of sustained scientific progress, achievements made possible by the collective efforts of scientists, institutions, and communities.

None of these can be solved alone. They demand that across governments, disciplines and communities, we act together,” she said, pointing to the One Health approach as a framework for coordinated action against threats ranging from animal-borne illnesses to environmental risks.

While acknowledging Osun’s progress, including improved routine immunisation coverage, faster outbreak response, and better primary healthcare access, she stressed that challenges around malaria and maternal health persist.

“We encourage the Osun state government to increase domestic investment in science, research and innovation across health and academic institutions, as this would serve as a foundation for health security and sustainable development. Through science and solidarity, we can build a healthier and safer future for all,” she added.

Osun State Commissioner for Health, Jola Akintola, reaffirmed the Adeleke administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s health system.

He outlined key priorities, including improving primary healthcare across communities, advancing maternal and child health initiatives, strengthening immunisation and disease surveillance, and using data and innovation to guide policy decisions.

“We acknowledge that achieving these objectives requires collective effort,” Akintola said, commending the contributions of development partners, civil society organisations, healthcare workers, and the media.

Separately, the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) used the occasion to reaffirm its commitment to fixing Nigeria’s struggling healthcare system.

Committee Chairman Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo, in a World Health Day message, stressed the urgency of prioritising maternal and newborn health in Nigeria under this year’s global theme.

World Health Day, observed every April 7 to mark the founding of the World Health Organisation in 1948, is dedicated each year to a pressing global health priority.

This year’s theme is ‘Together for Health. Stand with Science’.