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BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
BELEK–ANTALYA, TURKEY – Nigeria has once again demonstrated its strong resolve to accelerate the digital transformation of its healthcare system as the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, delivered a powerful opening address at the HIMSS Eurasia HealthTech Conference & Exhibition held on November 26, 2025, at the Susesi Luxury Resort, Belek–Antalya, Turkey.
Representing the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Salako expressed profound appreciation to the Turkish Ministry of Health and the HIMSS Eurasia organizing committee for their warm hospitality and for convening global leaders, innovators, and technology experts to shape the future of health technology.
In his remarks, the Minister underscored the critical role digital innovation is playing in reshaping global health systems.
He highlighted how advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, genomics, digital hospitals, computer vision, and smart healthcare facilities are rapidly redefining healthcare delivery across the world.
“These themes strongly align with Nigeria’s healthcare strategic priorities as captured in the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative”, he noted.
Dr. Salako emphasized that with increasing population pressures, evolving disease patterns, and a growing demand for high-quality, patient-centered healthcare, digital transformation has become indispensable for modern health systems.
Under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), Nigeria is advancing an ambitious agenda to build a resilient, innovative, and people-centered health sector anchored on four pillars: improved governance, quality service delivery, an efficient healthcare value chain, and strong health security.
A key component of this agenda is the integration of digital health across all levels – particularly in primary healthcare, disease surveillance, and interoperability between public and private health institutions.
The Minister outlined several ongoing investments aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s health information ecosystem. These include the development of the National Digital Health Architecture (NDHA) under the Nigeria Digital in Health Initiative (NDHI) to eliminate fragmentation and streamline operations in the health sector.
Other foundational digital infrastructure projects include A Health Information Exchange with shared health records; National health registries for identity and service delivery points; Workforce information systems; Stronger data governance frameworks and Partnerships with private sector innovators, start-up ecosystems, and international collaborators.
“These digital highways will provide a single source of truth and help establish clear, sustainable rules within the ecosystem”, Dr. Salako explained.
Describing the HIMSS Eurasia Conference as “more than an event,” the Minister said it represented a catalyst for deeper bilateral cooperation, enhanced innovation exchange and stronger global collaboration.
He expressed delight at the strong participation of African nations, calling it a significant sign of the continent’s determination to leapfrog outdated systems through technology-driven solutions.
Even as he acknowledged the transformative potential of AI, robotics, and advanced data tools, Dr. Salako stressed the importance of equity, affordability, and respect for national data sovereignty – particularly for developing countries.
“Technology must serve people. Digital tools must close gaps, not widen them”, he cautioned.
Dr. Salako also urged global health and technology stakeholders to take collective action by deploying digital tools to accelerate the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.
On behalf of Nigeria, he expressed gratitude to the organizers and wished all participants a rewarding and impactful conference. #LOYAMP
