Dr. Dakuku Peterside calls for innovation, capacity building to transform Africa’s healthcare sector
By Seun Ibiyemi
Turnaround expert and accomplished technocrat, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has emphasized the critical role of consistent innovation and capacity building in improving healthcare systems across Africa.
Speaking as Chairman of the 2025 Afrihealth Conferences and Exhibitions, one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest private sector-led healthcare gathering, Dr. Peterside stressed that these elements are key to achieving quality, accessibility, affordability, and efficiency in healthcare delivery.
The event, which took place in Lagos, brought together stakeholders from across the continent, including health professionals, entrepreneurs, and policy leaders.
In his remarks, Dr. Peterside highlighted how innovation enables data-driven decision-making, allowing providers to predict disease outbreaks, customize treatments, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
He lauded healthcare entrepreneurs as “true problem-solvers” who are tackling critical challenges and expanding the frontiers of medical solutions.
“I want to give a special appreciation to the Afrihealth Development Foundation for creating this amazing platform that brings together health professionals and allied service providers to share knowledge and exchange ideas,” he said.
Dr. Peterside also expressed heartfelt gratitude for being honored with an award recognizing his years of healthcare advocacy, stating the recognition “means a lot” and reaffirms his commitment to driving systemic improvements.
He praised Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, and Minister of State, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, for their exceptional leadership in spearheading transformative reforms in the health sector.
According to him, these reforms have gained global attention and offer hope for a future where Nigeria can become a hub for medical tourism.
He specifically acknowledged Dr. Pate’s push for domestic manufacturing of biologics, vaccines, and pharmaceuticals, which he said will guarantee better access to essential and quality medicines.
Other key speakers at the event included Professor of Radiography, Felix Erondu, and Professor Lere Baale, CEO of Business School Netherlands Nigeria (BSNN), among others.
The Afrihealth Conference continues to be a beacon for collaboration and knowledge exchange in the pursuit of a stronger, more resilient African healthcare system.