Dutch Mission to Nigeria: Collaborating for a Healthier Future
From February 27th to 29th, Marjolijn Sonnema, Director-General of Public Health, Welfare, and Sport (VWS), and Anja Roest, policy officer at VWS, traveled with a business delegation to Nigeria, visiting both Lagos and Abuja. Besides the economic aspect, the aim was to strengthen ties between Nigeria and the Netherlands and to exchange knowledge.
The Dutch delegation, including three NGOs, emphasized the importance of international cooperation in healthcare and delved into the lessons we can learn from the COVID-19 pandemic. Anja Roest stated: "To effectively address any future pandemics, collaboration is essential."
The delegation's visit included meetings with the Nigerian Ministry of Health to discuss collaboration in pandemic preparedness and climate change. Roest remarked: "Nigeria boasts the largest economy in Africa. With a population of over 250 million that is rapidly growing, the health sector in Nigeria seeks products and services to improve information and communication systems, digitize hospitals, and further expand pharmacy. Therefore, Dutch healthcare companies were also highlighted during this trip, and trade opportunities for both countries were discussed."
Pandemic Treaty
One of the key topics during the mission was the new pandemic treaty and Nigeria's role in the negotiations. Nigeria, one of the major players in Africa, aims for more equality in access to medicines and vaccines in case of future pandemics. Roest explained: "This is understandable given the challenges that Nigeria and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Just like European countries, the COVID pandemic made Nigeria aware of its dependent position regarding vaccines and medicines. While Europe managed to quickly purchase the right vaccines, Nigeria, along with many LMICs, found itself at the back of the line. This is precisely why such trips are important: listening to each other's stories and seeing how it has affected the country. Through international cooperation, we can improve."
Innovation
Another important aspect of the mission was exploring opportunities for collaboration in healthcare infrastructure and pharmaceutical production. Dutch companies, such as Hemoclear and Delft Imaging, expressed interest in improving healthcare in Nigeria by offering innovative solutions to address shortages of donor blood and the detection and treatment of diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. Roest noted: "What is striking in Nigeria is that the population is extremely young. With an average age of 18 and a population expected to double within fifty years, the country faces immense challenges in healthcare, employment, and social development. That is why it is all the more important for Dutch companies that can offer innovative solutions to address these specific challenges."
Global Health
The mission emphasized the need for a holistic approach to global health and development, with climate change playing a significant role. "Nigeria is currently experiencing the consequences of climate change," Roest said. "Think of the spread of tropical diseases such as malaria and dengue. Or failed harvests leading to malnutrition, poverty, and enormous pressure on healthcare. We need to collaborate on climate adaptation and disaster management to combat the health and well-being of the population of Nigeria, but also the Netherlands. Because with global warming, these diseases are also coming to the Netherlands."
E-health and Digitalization
Lastly, the trade mission provided Dutch organizations with the opportunity to meet potential partners in Nigeria. Roest explained: "The Nigerian e-health sector is growing rapidly and is expected to be valued at $11 billion by 2025. With approximately 136 startups, of which 30% are active in e-health, there is a clear demand for innovative technologies that can improve access to and the quality of healthcare in Nigeria. There are opportunities for life-saving drugs such as antiretroviral drugs, anti-TB drugs, and antimicrobial agents. Dutch companies can play a significant role in supplying high-quality pharmaceutical products to the Nigerian market."