On Monday, Vice-President Kashim Shettima introduced ‘Grand Challenges Nigeria (GCNg)’, a pioneering national innovation initiative designed to transform the healthcare sector in Nigeria through homegrown solutions.
This program, which aligns with the global Grand Challenges network, will initially target issues related to maternal and child health.
During the launch at the State House in Abuja, Shettima emphasized the urgency of this initiative, highlighting the swift advancements in science and technology as a driving factor for its creation.
He pointed out the necessity of tailoring solutions to address national issues, which he described as a “core message” of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The vice-president elaborated that the initiative aims to foster innovative research, enhance local expertise, and foster collaborations among various stakeholders.
“This initiative goes beyond merely addressing existing challenges; it serves as a platform for pioneering research, developing local talent, forming strategic alliances, and involving communities in creating solutions that resonate with their cultural context,” Shettima stated.
He noted that the program will complement ongoing government healthcare efforts, such as the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and the Nutrition 774 program.
“What Grand Challenges Nigeria envisions is a transformative future: a Nigeria where every child enjoys adequate nutrition, every family can depend on quality healthcare, and where our public health indicators show consistent improvement,” he remarked.
Additionally, he announced an immediate call for proposals aimed at “Advancing Innovative Solutions for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health,” explaining that the initiative will tackle a variety of challenges, from infectious diseases to food security and climate resilience.
“Our approach to innovation is grounded in our understanding of our role within the global community,” he noted, stressing, “We must recognize that our advancement is linked to the progress of the world at large.”
Shettima emphasized that the Tinubu administration is “committed to providing the necessary support to turn our aspirations into tangible benefits for our citizens.”
The vice-president expressed eagerness to see the creativity of Nigeria’s brightest minds flourish, stating that their innovations will receive the funding and backing they rightfully deserve through this initiative.
