The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research says research funds for diseases of public health importance are not adequate for groundbreaking findings.
Director-General of NIMR, Prof Babatunde Salako, made this known while speaking with The PUNCH amid calls by Nigerians on the need for research on kidney failures in the country.
NIMR is the nation’s foremost institute of medical research aimed at conducting research into diseases of public health importance and developing structures for the dissemination of research findings while providing the enabling environment and facilities for health research.
“Nigeria has a research fund for the disease of public health importance but it’s really not enough for groundbreaking work.
“We need to spend a lot more to support our health system and public health response,” Salako said.
He explained that awareness about kidney disease has increased the detection rate in the country.
“I believe awareness is what has increased such that more cases are now being detected. Although there are areas within the country where there is a suspicion of more cases than usual,” he added.
