Nigeria Health Watch to hold conference on boosting health innovations

Nigeria Health Watch is set to hold its 2026 Future of Health Conference in Abuja on Thursday. The aim is to discuss ways to expand health innovations and improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

The conference will bring together health leaders, policymakers, researchers, and investors. The theme is "From Innovation to Impact: The Future of Health is Now." It will focus on financing, partnerships, and health systems needed to move effective solutions from pilot projects to wider use.

During a media briefing on Wednesday, organisers shared that the program will feature 10 speakers, four innovation showcases, and three side events. Topics will include access to healthcare, domestic production of pharmaceuticals, vaccine research, family planning, and maternal health.

The conference will also look at how current policies and innovations are leading to measurable improvements in health outcomes. It will identify areas where progress has stalled.

Vivianne Ihekweazu, the Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, spoke about the need for effective innovations to reach more people. She said, "We need to provide innovations that work and the support to reach more people and improve health outcomes."

Ihekweazu added, "The Future of Health Conference brings together some of this evidence and explores the partnerships needed to put it into practice. This includes financing stronger health systems that can sustain more effective ways of delivering care." She emphasized that discussions should lead to practical action.

"We want these conversations to lead to practical action, so that proven solutions become part of everyday healthcare delivery. Building that future is a shared responsibility, and the work continues now," she said.

The organisers mentioned that two panel sessions will focus on innovations that tackle immediate health challenges and what is needed to scale their use. The first session, titled "Innovations That Save Lives Now," will discuss practical ways to improve access, quality, and health outcomes. Topics will include digital tools, community-based interventions, and new ways to deliver care.

The second session, "Scaling Health Where New Solutions Take Shape," will look at how promising ideas can become part of routine healthcare delivery through partnerships, investment, and financing. Four partner showcases will also highlight innovations being applied across Nigeria's health system.

The showcase will feature Project HOPE, which will highlight efforts to increase access to point-of-care ultrasound in primary healthcare centres. EngenderHealth will present digital methods to strengthen accountability in primary healthcare.

The Solina Centre for International Development and Research will share innovations that advance universal health coverage. eHealth Africa will focus on climate-resilient health facilities.

A key discussion with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations will explore how institutions in Nigeria and West Africa can lead in vaccine trials. The session will address trial design, research site readiness, data ownership, and regulatory review.

The aim is to strengthen regional research capacity and epidemic preparedness. It will also look at the coalition's 100 Days Mission and how its ENABLE study is enhancing understanding of Lassa fever and improving Nigeria's ability to conduct vaccine clinical trials.

A World Bank Group side event will focus on boosting domestic production of active pharmaceutical ingredients. These are the substances in medicines that create their intended effects. Discussions will cover investment, partnerships, and manufacturing capacity needed to lessen reliance on imported pharmaceutical inputs.

Another session on family planning and maternal health will look at how to integrate services, boost financing, and tackle barriers to quality care.

The conference aims to create chances for innovators, policymakers, investors, and development partners to build partnerships. This will help effective health solutions reach more people.

The Future of Health Conference is a platform by Nigeria Health Watch to discuss ideas, policies, and innovations that shape healthcare in Nigeria. Over the last decade, the organisation has looked into the future of the country’s health sector. This 2026 edition will focus on how those discussions and existing interventions can lead to better healthcare access and delivery.

Nigeria Health Watch is a not-for-profit health communication and advocacy group. It promotes better health outcomes through informed commentary, evidence-based reporting, and engaging with stakeholders.