Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Prof. Babatunde Salako, has reiterated the commitment of the institute to promote translational research to ensure a transformative health for the nation.

Mr Salako made this known at the ongoing 2023 International Conference on Health Advances, Innovation and Research organised by NIMR in Lagos.

Also speaking, a former Minister of State for Health and Chairman of the conference, Dr Olorunnimbe Mamora, called on governments at all levels to invest more in research generally.

The conference in its third edition is an international gathering of biomedical professionals.

He said: “The ICHAIR conference has become the go-to event for renowned biomedical professionals, stakeholders and upcoming researchers to share, learn, reflect and celebrate the advances in health.

“Over the years, NIMR has continued to uphold its mandate through research into health problems that translate into policy and contribute positively to changing the narrative of the public health landscape in the country and globally.

“The call to uphold this mandate has been more reaffirming considering the recent global economy challenges that now promote locally adaptable and available innovations to promote health.’’

Mr Salako added that the institute would continue to collaborate with public and private institutions in and beyond Nigeria to further widen the institute’s capacity.

He, however, urged young participants at the conference to leverage on the knowledge acquired to advance their career.

Also, Mr Mamora said, “Government at all levels need to continue to fund research for the benefit of the nation. Research is not cheap because when you start a research work, you can’t determine how long it will take or what the outcome will be.

“One thing that is sure is that you stand to benefit from the research output and the result is always positive to the development of society,” he said.

Mr Mamora further hailed NIMR for being at the forefront of promoting translational research in the country over the years.

“NIMR has continued to maintain global excellence in research through the groundbreaking research carried out by the institute. The annual ICHAIR conference is a testament of the leading role NIMR is playing to improve and increase research capacity in the country.”

Director of the Medical Research Council Unit of the Gambia, Prof. Umberto D’Alessandro, gave the keynote speech at the ongoing conference. The programme which started on November 13 will end on Wednesday.

(NAN)