Nigeria’s renowned virologist, Oyewale Tomori, has called for a re-examination of Nigeria’s public health history, stressing that understanding the past is critical for effective epidemic prevention and response.

Mr Tomori spoke during a reflective session on disease control and public health on Monday in Abuja, at a high-level Nigeria-China health security dialogue on pandemic preparedness and response.

Mr said that Nigeria’s first public health laboratory was established in 1926, nearly a century ago. He said that although the centre was not originally designed for disease control, it laid the foundation for scientific research and epidemic management.

According to him, they created environments that enabled research to thrive, often at the expense of personal sacrifices and additional responsibilities.

Mr Tomori said they also contributed to understanding viruses, such as the Rumba virus, which informed subsequent research on epidemics such as AIDS. He reflected on the impact of AIDS as an epidemic, noting that early studies provided critical lessons for both prevention and treatment.

Mr Tomori also criticised the reactive approach to public health in Nigeria, emphasising that many resources remain underutilised.

“We have trained thousands of technicians, yet only a fraction is fully engaged in disease surveillance and response. Over the last 15 years, questions about the remaining personnel have largely gone unasked. This is a missed opportunity for strengthening our health system,” he noted.

Highlighting systemic challenges, Mr Tomori said that epidemics were often managed in isolation, without coordinated national strategies. He called for a shift towards proactive disease prevention, strategic planning, and investment in local research capacity.

Mr Tomori said that understanding historical public health practices, including successes and missteps, was vital for Nigeria’s future health security.

“By reflecting on our history, acknowledging the work of indigenous researchers, and institutionalising preventive strategies, Nigeria can stabilise its health system and prepare for future epidemics,” he said.

(NAN)