Sodiq Ojuroungbe
A renowned professor of haematology and transfusion medicine, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Akamu Suleimon, has urged the Federal and state governments to invest heavily in biobanking and make the facilities available for researchers.
Akanmu said the investment had become crucial and urgent, citing the critical role biobanking plays in medical breakthroughs.
The haematologist noted that biobanking was essential for advancing medical research and improving human health.
According to him, biobanking facilities store biological specimens that could be used to develop new treatments, vaccines, and diagnostic tools.
Speaking exclusively with nigeriacurrently.com Healthwise, Akanmu stressed the importance of biobanking in storing biological specimens for future research, citing the example of Thomas Hodgkins’ 1762 description of lymph nodes that are still preserved today.
The haematologist explained that biobanking enables researchers to study the causes of diseases, identify potential targets for therapy, and develop personalised medical approaches.
The professor also stressed that biobanking is critical for training the next generation of researchers and clinicians, ensuring that they have access to high-quality biological specimens and cutting-edge technologies.
Despite its importance, Akamu lamented that biobanking faces significant challenges, including inadequate funding, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks.
The don called on governments, industry partners, and philanthropic organisations to invest in biobanking infrastructure and support research initiatives that utilize biobanking resources.
This, he argued, would accelerate medical progress, improve health outcomes, and save countless lives.
The professor urged the government to deliberately fund research, citing the example of the United States government’s $51 billion research budget for 2024.
He emphasised that sufficient research funding would enable research institutions to develop their research environment and support other researchers in tertiary institutions.
“The power of biobanking lies in its ability to store specimens for future research.
“These specimens can hold the key to understanding diseases, developing new treatments, and improving human health,” he explained.
He, however, noted that the lack of adequate funding and infrastructure has hindered the development of biobanking in Nigeria.
“Biobanking requires significant investment in equipment, personnel, and facilities.
“Without sufficient funding, we risk falling behind in the global pursuit of medical advancements,” he stated.
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