Experts harp on research for national development

MEDICAL experts in the country have again called for rekindled interest in evidence-based research to drive policies and national development.Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 3rd Annual Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) in Lagos recently, the experts said that the call was apt at a 'critical time for the global health research due dwindling research support as a result of global economic recession, coupled with challenges of meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).'Director General of the institute, Prof. Innocent Ujah said that the role of research could not be over-emphasised in national development.'We believe that for any nation to create wealth, its people must be in good health and through health research, innovative ways of managing existing and emerging diseases could be discovered.'Therefore, health research for national development is relevant today more than ever before. We are convinced that no nation can develop without a very strong research base,' he said.Ujah added that the theme of the five-day conference, which was 'Health Research and National Development', had been selected in line with the transformation agenda of the president and the vision of the institute 'to be an institute of excellence in basic, applied and operational research for promotion of national health and development in Nigeria.'Minister of State for Health, represented at the occasion by the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Akin Osibogun, applauded the organisers for chosen no better theme, as 'research is the bedrock of every development.
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