Shettima launches ‘Grand Challenges Nigeria’ to transform healthcare with local innovations

• Vice President Kashim Shettima launches Grand Challenges Nigeria (GCNg) to revolutionise healthcare with locally developed solutions
• GCNg aims to address challenges, including infectious diseases, food security, and climate resilience
• The initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s 8-point agenda to drive innovation and sustainable growth

Vice President Kashim Shettima has unveiled Grand Challenges Nigeria (GCNg), a groundbreaking national innovation programme designed to address critical healthcare issues in Nigeria through homegrown solutions.

The initiative, part of the global Grand Challenges network, aims to transform the healthcare sector, primarily focusing on maternal and child health in its initial phase.

Speaking during the launch event at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday, November 18, Shettima highlighted the urgency of the programme, citing rapid advancements in science and technology as a driving factor. He stressed the importance of tailoring solutions to Nigeria’s unique challenges, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a self-reliant and innovative nation.

Promoting research and building expertise

In a statement by his spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima described the initiative as a catalyst for groundbreaking research, local capacity building, strategic partnerships, and community engagement.

“This initiative is more than a response to problems,” Shettima noted. “It is an avenue to promote groundbreaking research, build local expertise, form strategic partnerships, and engage communities in co-creating culturally relevant solutions.”

The Vice President explained that GCNg will integrate with government healthcare initiatives, such as the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and the Nutrition 774 programme, to ensure a cohesive approach.

He envisioned a future where the programme would revolutionise public health, improve healthcare accessibility, and ensure adequate nutrition for children across Nigeria.

Shettima called for proposals, global collaboration

Shettima announced an immediate call for proposals under the theme Advancing Innovative Solutions for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health. He emphasised that the programme’s scope would extend beyond healthcare to address infectious diseases, food security, and climate resilience.

“We must recognise our place within the global community,” he remarked. “Our progress is intertwined with the progress of the world.”

Shettima assured stakeholders of the government’s unwavering support for innovative ideas, expressing optimism about the potential of Nigerian innovators to deliver transformative solutions.

Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, praised GCNg as a vital tool for addressing Nigeria’s critical challenges. He noted that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s 8-point agenda to foster prosperity and growth through innovation.

“The Grand Challenges Nigeria programme will empower researchers and innovators while driving sustainable development,” Nnaji said.

Hon. Chike Okafor, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, commended the government’s commitment to tackling food insecurity and malnutrition through the initiative. He pledged legislative support for the programme’s success.

Similarly, His Highness Muhammad Sanusi II, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, emphasised the need for collective action in addressing malnutrition and food insecurity. He expressed optimism that GCNg would empower Nigerians to lead solutions to these issues.

Prof. Salisu Abubakar, President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, lauded Shettima’s leadership in launching the initiative. He pledged the society’s support to ensure that the solutions developed are inclusive, locally adaptable, and focused on improving the health and wellbeing of Nigerians.

With the launch of Grand Challenges Nigeria, Vice President Shettima reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging innovation for national progress. The initiative is set to mobilise resources, expertise, and community participation to create a healthier and more resilient Nigeria.

Lagos plans to become West Africa’s medical tourism hub, says Commissioner

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, had announced the state’s commitment to becoming a top destination for medical tourism in Nigeria and West Africa.

He noted that this included bold steps to improve the health sector through innovation and technology.