Insights from Dr. Oluwatomi Coker’s session at IASPHARMA 2024.
Dr. Oluwatomi Coker, Hon. Commissioner for Health, Ogun State, highlighted the critical need to unlock Africa’s health data potential through the establishment of biobanks and the implementation of electronic medical records (EMRs) during her address at the Impact Africa Summit 2024.
She stated, “The key part of my learning at this IAS 2024 has been about research and the need for opening of a biobank for all the samples collected during Covid-19,” emphasizing the importance of utilizing the vast amounts of biological samples and patient data collected during the pandemic.
Dr. Coker acknowledged that “Nigeria, like many African nations, collected vast amounts of biological samples and patient data during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, much of this valuable information remains underutilized,” adding, “We also like other states have many samples with people’s data which we haven’t done anything with.”
She stressed the crucial need for establishing a national biobank. This centralized repository would secure sensitive data and unlock its potential for groundbreaking research, including drug development and genomic studies. She asserted, “For me, the learning has been the need to explore areas that… and probably the entirety of Nigeria, we have to have a biobank and make sure that that information is kept secure for the good of all.”
Dr. Coker emphasized the paramount importance of collaboration in achieving this vision, citing Ogun State’s experience with EMRs as an example of the power of partnership. “Ogun state embarked on electronic medical records since 2022 and that was to improve the quality of our data.” She explained, noting the engagement with the tech industry and the demonstration of the importance of public-private partnerships.
She highlighted the significant development of alignment between sub-national and national efforts, stating, “The beautiful thing is the alignment between the Sub-National and National because that electronic data roll-out has now been taken over by the Federal Ministry of Health.” This unified approach will ensure that all Nigerian states implement EMRs within the next 18 months.
Dr. Coker outlined the benefits of this national rollout of EMRs:
Improve Data Quality: Standardized data collection will enhance the accuracy and reliability of health information.
Enable Data Interrogation: Researchers and policymakers will be able to analyze data to inform evidence-based decisions.
Enhance Patient Care: Healthcare providers will have access to comprehensive patient records, leading to more effective treatments.
Strengthen the Health Sector: A data-driven approach will improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system.
Join us at the Impact Africa Summit 2025 to be part of the movement to unlock Africa’s health data potential.
