Research Activities

The Federal Ministry of Health Nigeria is committed to evidence-based healthcare policy development through rigorous research and scientific inquiry. Our research activities aim to address key public health challenges and improve healthcare delivery across the nation.

Research Priority Areas

Our current research priorities focus on addressing Nigeria's most pressing health challenges:

Infectious Disease Control and Prevention

Focused on malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, neglected tropical diseases, emerging infectious diseases, and antimicrobial resistance. Recent studies examine the effectiveness of community-based interventions in reducing disease transmission and improving treatment outcomes.

Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health

Investigating effective strategies to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, improve antenatal care uptake, and enhance child nutrition across diverse Nigerian communities.

Non-Communicable Diseases

Researching the rising burden of hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and mental health conditions in Nigeria, with emphasis on early detection, prevention strategies, and improved management approaches.

Health Systems Strengthening

Evaluating healthcare financing models, workforce development strategies, health information systems, and governance structures to improve Nigeria's healthcare system resilience and performance.

Traditional Medicine Integration

Exploring the safety, efficacy, and potential integration of traditional medicine practices into Nigeria's formal healthcare system through standardization and regulation.

Research Institutions and Partners

The Ministry oversees and collaborates with several research institutions:

Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR)

Nigeria's foremost medical research institute, conducting cutting-edge biomedical and public health research to address national health priorities. NIMR leads investigations in infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, and reproductive health.

Visit NIMR Website

National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD)

Focused on drug development, pharmaceutical research, and the scientific validation of traditional medicine products. NIPRD works on developing local pharmaceutical capacity and affordable therapeutic solutions.

Visit NIPRD Website

Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)

Leads research on disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and infectious disease control strategies to enhance Nigeria's preparedness and response to public health threats.

Visit NCDC Website

Key Ongoing Research Projects

Nigeria COVID-19 Seroprevalence and Health Impact Assessment Study

Duration: 2023-2025

Funding: Federal Government of Nigeria and World Health Organization

Description: A nationwide study assessing the seroprevalence of COVID-19 across different regions of Nigeria, the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns, and the long-term health impacts of COVID-19 infection. This research will inform future pandemic preparedness strategies.

Community-based Approaches to Malaria Prevention in Rural Nigeria

Duration: 2024-2026

Funding: Global Fund and Federal Ministry of Health

Description: Evaluating innovative community-led interventions for malaria prevention in high-burden rural areas, including novel vector control methods and behavior change communication strategies.

Primary Healthcare System Strengthening Through Digital Health Technologies

Duration: 2023-2025

Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Federal Government of Nigeria

Description: Investigating the impact of digital health tools including electronic medical records, telemedicine, and mobile health applications on improving healthcare access, quality, and efficiency at primary healthcare centers across Nigeria.

Traditional Herbal Remedies for Infectious Diseases: Safety and Efficacy Study

Duration: 2024-2027

Funding: Federal Ministry of Health and African Development Bank

Description: Scientific evaluation of selected traditional herbal preparations commonly used in Nigeria for treating infectious diseases, with laboratory analysis of active compounds and controlled clinical trials to determine safety and efficacy.

Research Ethics and Governance

All research projects supported or conducted by the Federal Ministry of Health adhere to the highest ethical standards and regulatory requirements. Our research governance framework includes:

National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC) approval for all human subjects research
Compliance with international research ethics guidelines including the Declaration of Helsinki
Mandatory Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training for all researchers
Community engagement and informed consent processes
Data protection and privacy safeguards for participants
Transparent reporting of research findings

For information on research ethics approval processes, visit the National Health Research Ethics Committee portal.

Research Funding Opportunities

The Ministry provides various funding opportunities for health researchers in Nigeria:

National Health Research Grant

Annual competitive grants for research projects aligned with national health priorities. Open to researchers in public institutions, with priority given to early and mid-career scientists.

Application Period: February-April annually

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Healthcare Innovation Challenge

Funding for innovative solutions to specific healthcare challenges in Nigeria, with emphasis on technological innovations, service delivery models, and community-based interventions.

Application Period: September-November annually

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Collaborative Research Grants

Supporting research collaborations between Nigerian institutions and international partners to facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity building.

Application Period: Rolling basis

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Research Capacity Building

The Ministry is committed to strengthening Nigeria's health research capacity through:

Research Methodology Training Programs

Regular workshops and courses on research design, data analysis, scientific writing, and grant proposal development for healthcare professionals and researchers.

View Upcoming Training

Early Career Researcher Mentorship Program

Structured mentorship initiative pairing early career researchers with established scientists to provide guidance, support career development, and foster research excellence.

Apply for Mentorship

Research Infrastructure Development

Strategic investments in laboratory equipment, data management systems, and research facilities across Nigerian health research institutions.