Biomedical research: The missing link in public health resilience

By Ifeoluwa Oladapo

Across the globe, particularly in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure, public health systems are facing increasing pressure. The combined challenges of infectious diseases, chronic conditions, and emerging health threats highlight the need for comprehensive and forward-looking strategies.

A crucial, though sometimes underemphasised, component of these strategies is investment in biomedical research, which plays a vital role in understanding, preventing, and managing disease.

Biomedical research is deeply connected to public health progress.

For instance, during the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the initial lack of approved treatments or vaccines highlighted the need for more sustained research in the region.

Similarly, long-standing diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV continue to impact communities despite existing interventions. As factors such as drug resistance and climate change alter disease dynamics, research becomes increasingly important in guiding the development of new vaccines, treatments, diagnostics, and public health interventions.

Integrating research into national and regional health strategies

Although many public health programs focus on immediate needs such as immunisation, sanitation, and health education, long-term success often depends on the integration of scientific research. A more holistic approach that incorporates both biomedical and behavioral research can offer deeper insights into health challenges and inform more sustainable solutions. For example, understanding vaccine hesitancy or the rise in non-communicable diseases requires interdisciplinary research that combines biomedical, environmental, and social perspectives.

To enhance public health outcomes, research should be an integral part of national health planning and policy, which involves supporting research institutions, fostering collaboration between scientists and healthcare practitioners, and investing in infrastructure such as laboratories and data systems. Building research capacity also involves promoting scientific literacy among healthcare workers and policymakers, enabling them to translate emerging evidence into policy and practice effectively.

National governments play a key role in supporting research through partnerships among ministries of health, education, and science.

Regional organisations such as the African Union and ECOWAS can further facilitate collaboration by coordinating research efforts, promoting data sharing, and harmonising ethical standards. Such efforts are essential for addressing cross-border health issues and strengthening regional preparedness.

Global investment for a resilient health future

The need for enhanced research in public health is a shared global concern. International partners, including donor agencies, research organisations, and development institutions, can help by providing equitable support for research in low-resource settings. Programs like the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) have shown the value of international collaboration and could be expanded to include support for diseases that primarily affect specific regions.

As the world has seen in recent years, public health resilience depends not only on immediate care and infrastructure but also on the research that drives innovation and preparedness.

Strengthening biomedical research is a strategic investment that benefits both local and global communities. By aligning research with public health priorities, countries can build systems that are better equipped to prevent disease, respond to emergencies, and improve health outcomes for all.

Ifeoluwa Oladapo is a PhD student at Washington State University, specializing in Molecular Biosciences.*
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Zoology and a master’s degree in Parasitology from the University of Ibadan.