Prof. Haroun Isah, a Public Health expert at Bingham University’s College of Medical Sciences, has urged stakeholders in Nigeria’s health sector to deepen collaborations with international development partners.
He emphasised that such partnerships are vital for addressing long-standing challenges within the system and enhancing health outcomes nationwide.
Isah made the appeal while delivering Bingham University’s 8th Inaugural Lecture at the institution’s main campus in Auta Balefi, Karu, Nasarawa.
In his lecture titled “The Burden of Neglected Tropical Diseases in Nigeria: Challenges and Opportunities for Elimination,” he highlighted the urgent need for innovative approaches, improved funding, and stronger policy frameworks to combat diseases such as onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminth infections.
The professor noted that neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) continue to affect millions, particularly in rural and underserved communities, hindering social and economic development. He stressed the importance of community engagement, health education, and research-driven interventions to break the cycle of infection and poverty.
Isah also called on the government, private sector, and civil society organisations to work closely with global partners to mobilise resources, implement evidence-based strategies, and ensure sustainable progress towards eliminating NTDs in Nigeria.
The lecture, titled “Development Partners in Health and the Nigerian Health System: Harnessing the Power in Partnership in Health,” highlighted the pivotal role of global health partners in advancing Nigeria’s healthcare sector through funding, technology transfer, technical expertise, and capacity building areas where the nation still faces significant gaps.
Prof. Isah pointed out that despite various reform efforts, the Nigerian health system continues to grapple with inadequate infrastructure, insufficient funding, a shortage of skilled health professionals, and weak leadership, all of which hinder effective service delivery and system efficiency.
He explained that development partners help bridge these gaps by contributing to policy development, financing programmes, supporting research initiatives, and training health workers. They also play a key role in expanding access to essential services while strengthening systems for primary healthcare, logistics, and diagnostics.
According to Isah, strategic alliances in resource mobilisation, capacity enhancement, advocacy, and public–private engagement have already yielded notable improvements in health outcomes.
To sustain and amplify these gains, he urged the Nigerian government to ensure policy stability, invest in the skills required for effective partnership management, and embed strong monitoring and evaluation mechanisms within the health system.