Lagos State will host the 10th African One Health and Biosecurity Conference, bringing together experts, policymakers and global stakeholders to address Africa's preparedness against global health threats.
The two-day conference is organized by the Global Emerging Pathogens Treatment (GET) Consortium in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Health.
According to a statement signed by the Ministry's Director of Public Affairs, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, the conference focuses on Africa's preparedness against global health threats, with the theme: “From Ebola to COVID-19 and beyond: Strengthening Africa’s ability to address emerging global health security threats.”
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony on Wednesday, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, emphasized the state’s commitment to strengthening health infrastructure to protect against biosecurity risks.
“Lagos, with its dense and rapidly growing population, is especially susceptible to infectious outbreaks,” Sanwo-Olu said.
“It is imperative that we improve our biosecurity preparedness, not only for ourselves, but as a model for the continent.”
One Health Approach
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In his remarks, former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, highlighted the need for a single health approach to health security in Africa, integrating human, animal and environmental health to prevent and manage diseases.
Mr. Fashola emphasized the need for proactive planning to address health and environmental challenges in Africa.
He noted that Africa's rapid urbanization and population growth increases its vulnerability to biosecurity threats, and highlighted the need for proactive planning to address environmental and health challenges.
Fashola called for greater investment in health research and data-driven policies, arguing that evidence-based strategies are crucial for effective biosecurity management.
He affirmed that Africa's resilience depends on localized solutions adapted to its challenges, reiterating his commitment to supporting initiatives that prioritize the well-being and security of African communities.
Local production of medical supplies.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, in his remarks, highlighted the need to strengthen Africa's health and economic systems to avoid destabilization during outbreaks.
Represented by the Director of the CBN Medical Service, Adenike Ojumu, Cardoso advocated for local production of essential medical supplies and infrastructure development.
He highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration to create a self-sustaining health sector in Africa.
Speaking on the role of financial resources in health security, especially during crises, he shared that the CBN had provided targeted grants for healthcare research and development, as well as sector intervention facilities, during COVID-19 to expand infrastructure and produce critical medical supplies.
Cardoso further underlined the importance of economic resilience through diversification, noting that a diversified economy is less vulnerable to external shocks. He encouraged African central banks to promote diversification, particularly in technology, agriculture and manufacturing, and to foster digital financial inclusion.
He also called for strengthened regional collaboration and inclusive policies to mitigate the impact of pandemics on vulnerable populations.
The biodiversity of Lagos
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, addressed the dual nature of biosecurity threats, emphasizing both gradual environmental degradation and sudden pandemics.
“We face the risk of zoonotic diseases daily,” he warned, warning that pathogens such as Ebola and COVID-19 demonstrate the global catastrophic potential of health risks.
Abayomi noted that Lagos' biodiversity and animal populations create constant zoonotic risks, explaining that most pandemics are transmitted from animals to humans.
“There are countless viruses with pandemic potential. Our responsibility is to be vigilant,” he said, highlighting Lagos’ surveillance and biosecurity partnerships.
The commissioner highlighted that Nigeria's alarming deforestation rate amplifies climate change and biosecurity risks.
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“Environmental degradation is a biosafety issue as it directly impacts health stability,” he explained, urging action to protect natural resources.
Abayomi linked climate-induced migration to health threats, noting that megacities like Lagos face increased vulnerability due to rapid urbanization.