HEWAN applauds creation of National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office

–Urges Adigwe to prioritise AMR surveillance, digital health reforms

The Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) has commended the Federal Government’s creation of the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO), urging its pioneer National Coordinator, Dr Obi Peter Adigwe, to make antimicrobial resistance surveillance and other critical digital health interventions top priorities.

The association said establishing the new office presents a unique opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s health system through technology, data-driven decision-making and integrated digital healthcare infrastructure.

In a statement issued on Saturday, HEWAN President, Vivian Ihechu congratulated Dr Adigwe on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a visionary leader whose track record in scientific research, artificial intelligence, technology transfer and pharmaceutical innovation makes him well-suited to lead the country’s digital health transformation.

While commending the Federal Government for establishing the office, HEWAN called for the immediate development of a national antimicrobial resistance surveillance system, a real-time disease outbreak intelligence platform, maternal and child health dashboards, an integrated national digital health records system, and national standards for health data interoperability.

According to the association, these interventions would improve evidence-based policymaking, strengthen disease surveillance, enhance emergency preparedness, promote efficient allocation of healthcare resources and accelerate progress towards achieving national health goals.

HEWAN also pledged the support of health journalists for the new agency, saying it would promote the activities of the office through credible and impactful health reporting to improve public awareness and health outcomes.

The association highlighted Dr Adigwe’s accomplishments during his two-term tenure as Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), where he led reforms that elevated the institute’s global profile.

It noted that under his leadership, NIPRD secured an €18 million European Union grant for local vaccine research and development—the largest of its kind in Africa—alongside major funding for nanotechnology, active pharmaceutical ingredient development and drug discovery.
HEWAN also credited him with pioneering the deployment of artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, genome sequencing and nanotechnology in pharmaceutical research, as well as leading scientific investigations that challenged claims surrounding the Madagascar COVID-Organics preparation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Dr Adigwe has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to transforming healthcare delivery in Nigeria through research and innovation. His achievements at NIPRD prove that he does not just manage institutions—he transforms them,” HEWAN said.

The association expressed confidence that his appointment would accelerate implementation of the National Digital Health Architecture and strengthen healthcare delivery through technology-driven solutions.

HEWAN also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, for initiating reforms aimed at modernising Nigeria’s health sector through digital innovation.