As Nigeria battles with a cholera outbreak, the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) is making strides in the fight against cholera with the development of a new, easy-to-use diagnostic tool.
Cholera, a serious diarrhoeal illness caused by contaminated water and poor hygiene, can spread rapidly and experts say early detection is crucial to prevent outbreaks.
Disclosing this in an exclusive interview with Vanguard in Lagos, the Director General of the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research, Professor Babatunde Salako explained that the point-of-care test will allow for the rapid detection of cholera in body fluids and water, helping to prevent outbreaks before they can take hold.
"The first thing that we are doing is to support surveillance. We are currently creating a point-of-care instrument to diagnose cholera using body fluids and also water. We chose that because disease detection is the shortest way of preventing epidemics. If you can do surveillance, you can check if cholera is anywhere and you can be pick up a case.
"Once you pick the first case, you will be able to sort the rest out. Often what happens is that the disease would have spread before the first case is diagnosed and is it either because where it started, there were no diagnostic kits for them to use. Or maybe because it's costly. Maybe because it's not being produced in the country. All sorts of reasons. But we are doing one that is going to be country-made. It is going to be cheaper, available and it will be like the dipstick."
Salako who explained that the NIMR's dipstick test is currently in its final stages of development, added that it will be a game-changer for diagnosing cholera, especially in remote areas where traditional diagnostic kits are unavailable or expensive.
"The test is nearly 80 per cent complete and will be cheap, easy to use, and readily available at home and in healthcare clinics. This is a significant development, as traditional diagnostic kits are often expensive or unavailable in many areas."
He said the dipstick test is just one part of NIMR's comprehensive approach to cholera prevention, disclosing further that, the institute is also conducting wastewater surveillance in canals around hospitals in Lagos.
He said it will help to identify potential outbreaks early on, as hospital waste can contaminate floodwater and drinking supplies.
"Hospitals' effluent wastes will come out and mix up with the flood. So that's why cholera comes up when you have rain with flood everywhere and mix with drinkable water. In all of these, you have to spend money."
He said research was essential for preventing outbreaks, adding that while the return on investment in research may not be immediate, it is crucial for the long-term health of the nation.
"One of the reasons why maybe some governments may not want to fund research is that the return on investment in research takes a long time. And politicians want something they can do to bring votes tomorrow or at the next election. Scientists don't have that time of abracadabra. That's not to say that no research can bring short-term solutions that you can showcase. But major ones that are going to be contributing to the economy of the nation, the health workforce capacity and all of that might take some time."
Researchers argue that health research is the driving force behind a nation's progress, even more so than advancements in engineering or education. This is because healthy citizens form the foundation of a thriving workforce and a strong economy.
Continuing, Salako who noted that health research finds solutions to people's problems, said: "A healthy population leads to a more vibrant workforce, which in turn translates to a higher GDP and better overall economic performance."
"Beyond direct health benefits, health research fosters innovation and product development. These discoveries can lead to the creation of startup companies that employ people, generate economic wealth, and produce life-saving products.
"The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a prime example. Before the vaccine's development, the global economy suffered tremendously due to lockdowns and travel restrictions that brought the world back on track.
Lamenting the lack of priority given to health research funding in Nigeria, Salako advocated for a significant increase in annual funding to N500 billion, emphasising the need to train researchers, fund projects, and drive innovation.
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He said increased investment would allow Nigeria to address its specific health challenges, such as Lassa fever, which has plagued the country for years.
"A more proactive approach through research could replace the current "fire brigade" response and lead to long-term solutions.
Salako who called for increased investment in health research, highlighted its critical role in national development.
He argued that health research is the engine that drives a nation's progress adding that, "It finds solutions to people's problems, leading to a healthier population, a more vibrant workforce, and a stronger economy."
He explained that the positive impact of health research extends beyond direct health benefits. "Research fuels innovation and discoveries that can be transformed into new products and startup companies. These companies create jobs, improve people's well-being, and generate economic wealth for the nation.
"The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a powerful example. "Before the vaccine, fear and lockdowns crippled the global economy. Health research delivered the solution, putting the world back on track."
