Prof. Lere Baale Calls for Medicine Security, Innovation in Africa
Prof. Lere Baale Calls for Medicine Security, Innovation in Africa
Experts, journalists, and scientists chart roadmap for drug development at HEWAN–NIMR workshop in Lagos
Africa must take ownership of its medical research, production, and innovation to secure its health future, says Prof. Lere Baale, President and Chairman of Council of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPHARM) and Chief Executive Officer of Business School Netherlands International (Nigeria).
Speaking at the two-day workshop jointly organised by the Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN) and the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, Prof. Baale emphasised that “medicine security is a national security imperative.”
The workshop, themed “Drug Research and Development: From Laboratory to the Patient,” held from October 21–22, 2025, was chaired by Prof. John Oladapo Obafunwa, Director General of NIMR. The event brought together scientists, policymakers, pharmacists, and health journalists to deliberate on the future of pharmaceutical research and access to essential medicines in Nigeria and across Africa.
The Journey of Drug Discovery
Prof. Baale, in his presentation, described the process of drug research and development (R&D) as “a journey of transformation — where ideas become innovations and science becomes service to humanity.”
He noted that developing a single new medicine often takes 10 to 15 years and costs more than $2 billion, reflecting the enormous scientific and ethical responsibilities involved.
He outlined six key stages of the R&D process — from discovery and preclinical research, clinical development and human trials, and regulatory review and approval, to manufacturing and patient access.
According to him, cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, computational modelling, and genomic research are now redefining how medicines are discovered and designed. These advancements, he said, present Africa with an opportunity to leapfrog into a leadership position in global biomedical innovation.
Africa at a Crossroads
Calling for a new continental vision for drug innovation and health sovereignty, Prof. Baale urged Nigeria and other African nations to strengthen research capacity, invest in local pharmaceutical manufacturing, and harmonise regulatory standards through the African Medicines Agency (AMA).
“A country that cannot produce its own essential medicines,” he cautioned, “remains vulnerable to external shocks and shortages. Medicine security is a national security imperative.”
He further advocated the establishment of African Centres of Clinical Excellence under the coordination of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), and other academic institutions to ensure Africa’s diverse genetic and disease profiles are adequately represented in global clinical trials.
Leadership and Education
Prof. Baale also linked scientific innovation to leadership development, stressing that effective healthcare transformation requires leaders who understand both the science of innovation and the art of systems management.
He highlighted the role of Business School Netherlands (BSN Nigeria) in equipping healthcare executives and policymakers with the knowledge to bridge research, regulation, and patient delivery systems.
From Molecules to Meaning
In his concluding remarks, the pharmacy leader reminded participants that the journey from laboratory to patient represents “a sacred partnership between science and humanity, discovery and delivery, purpose and policy.”
He urged that innovation must always serve people, not profit alone.
As Africa enters a new era of biomedical opportunity, he said, collaboration among policymakers, scientists, journalists, and industry leaders remains vital for a healthier, self-reliant continent — where hope becomes healing, and science fulfils its highest calling: preserving and enhancing life.