A Professor of Public Health at Babcock University in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Motunrayo Olanrewaju has said that the key to transforming health outcomes and managing complications from disease outbreaks is a shift toward a prevention-driven health system that stops diseases before they develop.
She made the recommendation while delivering the 61st Babcock University inaugural lecture, titled “From Reaction to Prevention: Shaping Nigeria’s Health Future.”
According to her, Nigeria stands at a crossroads because of its population size. As a result, the country’s healthcare cannot depend solely on hospitals and emergency responses, but must also rely on proactive policies, community engagement, and long-term investment in preventive care.
She stated that since Primary Health Care is the backbone of prevention, government should prioritize investments to ensure all local health centers are fully equipped.
“Government needs to invest in public health because health literacy empowers people to make informed decisions to take care of their health,” she said. “When communities can access quality care locally, diseases are detected and manages early before they become emergencies.”
To make this realizable, Professor Olanrewaju recommended the establishment of a data-driven policy and early warning systems, noting that disease surveillance and research are forms of prevention.
She called for the strengthening of institutions such as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control [NCDC] and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency [NPHCDA] so they can improve outbreak prediction, vaccination campaigns, and coordinated national responses.
She also urged move institutions to move from a “fire brigade” approach to handling situations to a proactive prevention model
“Every naira invested in prevention saves multiple naira in treatment costs and that a healthier population not only boosts workforce productivity, but “reduces poverty caused by medical bills and attracts foreign investments,” she said.
Pix: Prof. Motunrayo Olanrewju receives a contgratulatory handshake from Babcock President/Vice Chancellor, Prof. Afolarin Ojewole
Pix: Babcock President/Vice Chancellor, Prof. Afolarin Ojewole poses with Prof. Motunrayo Olanrewaju, son, Daniel and spouse, Prof. Joseph Olanrewaju after the lecture.
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