Dr Ado H Muhammad, MBBS MSc MFPH DPM MFPM MBA FRSPH

We are all aware that health issues are truly global. The virtual dissolution of boarders means that infectious disease and other health security risks can longer be assumed to remain within the confinements of their origins. Thus, the need for concerted global effort in dealing with such challenges has never been urgent.

Sub-Saharan Africa is be devilled with myriads of socio-economic issues. These, confounded by global phenomena such as climate change, security, political and economic uncertainties have led to the existing multiple health predicaments – communicable and noncommunicable disease. Contracting economies and conflicting priorities of most countries makes meeting the ever-increasing health needs of most people a big challenge. This enormous health burden and reduction in health spending call for better understanding of the various factors at play as well as cost-effective ways of dealing with them. This is the mission of the Centre for Health Systems Research and Development (CHESRAD). Our approach is to answer the simple questions: why are things the way they are? And which interventions will produce the desired positive change in the most cost-effective, acceptable and affordable way? This, of course, has to be through modern research methods and best practices.

We believe in the power of collaboration. Solving regional health problems of Northern Nigerian or indeed of Sub-Saharan Africa require the input of experts from various human endeavours – social, environment and political science, epidemiology, economics etc. – not healthcare professionals only. This is why CHESRAD is and will always be open to synergistic relationship with governments and non-governmental organisations, academic and commercial institutions as well as any other stakeholder in our collective efforts of confronting known and potential global health risks. All hands on deck now to meet SDGs and beyond!