AI, telepathology revolutionising healthcare diagnostics in Nigeria – Cerba-Lancet CEO

Artificial Intelligence, telepathology and digital health technologies could transform healthcare delivery in Nigeria over the next decade if backed by the right policies and investment, says Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Cerba-Lancet Nigeria, Dr Olayemi Dawodu, in this interview with Onozure Dania

With emerging diagnostic technologies, what impact do you foresee on Nigeria’s healthcare system over the next 10 years, and how can that be achieved?

Over the next decade, emerging diagnostic technologies have the potential to transform healthcare delivery in Nigeria. However, achieving that transformation will require strong collaboration among all stakeholders. The healthcare sector cannot do it alone. We need sustained advocacy and engagement with policymakers because meaningful change depends on the right policies and regulatory support. It is not enough for stakeholders to recognise the potential of technology; we must work with those who have the authority to formulate and implement policies that drive innovation and expand access to quality healthcare. I believe we need more roundtable discussions and think tanks focused on deploying digital technologies across the healthcare system. Encouragingly, those conversations have already begun. For instance, I attended a telemedicine conference last year where experts explored practical ways technology can improve healthcare delivery.

Nigeria is already grappling with a significant brain drain and a shortage of healthcare professionals. Given these realities, we must embrace digital solutions such as telemedicine, telepathology and artificial intelligence to bridge gaps in healthcare access, enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve service delivery. If we adopt a coordinated approach backed by strong policies, strategic investment and collaboration, emerging diagnostic technologies can significantly improve disease detection, patient outcomes and equitable access to quality healthcare across Nigeria over the next 10 years.

What is your recommendation?

My recommendation is the wider adoption of telemedicine, including telepathology, which I always advocate as a pathologist. The good thing is that it is already working. There are organisations deploying telemedicine solutions across different states, and the results have been encouraging. Without advertising any particular organisation, I can say there is one that is working credibly with local and state governments to deploy solar-powered telemedicine kiosks. These kiosks do not rely on conventional data services and are available in different local languages, enabling people in underserved communities to access quality healthcare. I believe this approach can significantly improve healthcare access and help us reach underserved populations much faster than traditional methods. However, these initiatives require strong government support and buy-in to succeed on a larger scale. We also need a robust policy framework to regulate telemedicine. While work is already underway to develop the necessary guidelines, I believe the process should be expedited. With clear regulations and government backing, telemedicine can become a game-changer for healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

Could you elaborate on practical steps that can ensure every Nigerian has access to internationally accredited diagnostic services, regardless of location?

Technology will play a major role in making quality diagnostic services accessible to every Nigerian. Artificial intelligence, digital health solutions and laboratory automation are already transforming diagnostics by improving efficiency, reducing turnaround times and enhancing accuracy. However, I believe the bigger goal is to democratise pathology. By democratising pathology, I mean ensuring that every Nigerian, including those in the most remote and underserved communities, has access to quality diagnostic services. The technology deployed in rural areas may not be the same as what is used in major urban centres, but it must be appropriate for the setting, properly validated, calibrated and quality-assured to guarantee accurate and reliable results. I am also a strong advocate of digital and remote diagnostic solutions. Just as telemedicine has expanded access to healthcare, telepathology can extend specialist diagnostic services to communities that lack pathologists. Through digital technology, healthcare workers in remote locations can collect samples while specialists in urban centres analyse and interpret the results. Take cervical cancer screening as an example. Community health workers can be trained to collect Pap smear samples, prepare and digitise the slides, and transmit them electronically to pathologists in urban centres for reporting. This would allow women in underserved communities to benefit from specialist expertise without travelling long distances. However, technology alone is not enough. Expanding access to quality diagnostics requires a multi-sectoral approach. The healthcare sector must work closely with telecommunications providers, regulators such as the Nigerian Communications Commission, the education sector and other stakeholders to build the digital infrastructure, skilled workforce and connectivity needed to deliver high-quality diagnostic services nationwide. If we embrace this collaborative approach, internationally accredited diagnostic services will no longer be limited to major cities but will become accessible to every Nigerian, regardless of where they live.

So many Nigerians still seek medical attention only when symptoms become severe. How can diagnostic testing help shift the country towards a stronger culture of preventive healthcare?

Diagnostic providers have a critical role to play in changing that mindset. Beyond conducting tests, we are custodians of valuable health data that reveal disease patterns and trends. Those insights are essential for health education, policy formulation and preventive healthcare. A few decades ago, infectious diseases were the major health concern in Nigeria. Today, however, non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer have become increasingly prevalent. We know this because laboratory data provide evidence of these changing disease patterns. That same data also informs national healthcare planning. For instance, the Federal Ministry of Health’s efforts to establish cancer centres across the country’s geopolitical zones are driven by evidence generated through diagnostic testing. Without reliable laboratory data, such planning would not be possible.

Diagnostic laboratories also play a vital role in health security. During outbreaks such as Ebola, Lassa fever and the COVID-19 pandemic, the diagnostic sector was at the forefront of disease detection and surveillance. Laboratory data helped policymakers identify hotspots, monitor the spread of infections and make evidence-based decisions on public health measures, including movement restrictions and other interventions. In addition, diagnostic testing is central to preventing complications from non-communicable diseases. People living with conditions such as diabetes and hypertension need regular tests to monitor their health and detect changes early. Knowing your numbers allows timely medical intervention before complications develop. The diagnostic sector also contributes significantly to research and innovation. Laboratories support the development of new therapies, advance medical research and serve as key partners for the pharmaceutical industry. Ultimately, promoting preventive healthcare requires a multi-pronged approach. We must continue to raise awareness about the importance of regular health screening, encourage people to know their numbers and make annual preventive health checks a routine part of healthy living.

Can you emphasise the importance of accurate testing results? How can they help address diseases in Nigeria?

Accurate laboratory testing is the foundation of quality healthcare. Everything begins with the right diagnosis, and that is only possible when test results are accurate, reliable and reproducible. At Cerba-Lancet Nigeria, we achieve this through rigorous processes, standard operating procedures, highly skilled personnel, world-class infrastructure and a robust quality management system that guides every aspect of our operations. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our internationally recognised accreditations, including ISO accreditation, which we have maintained for more than a decade, as well as accreditations from the South African National Accreditation System, the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria and the Nigerian National Accreditation System. These accreditations involve regular audits and demonstrate that we consistently meet global best practices in laboratory medicine. Accurate test results empower individuals to understand their health status and make informed decisions about their wellbeing. They enable the early detection of diseases, identify people who need to adopt healthier lifestyles to prevent illness and help patients living with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol manage their conditions more effectively. Equally important, reliable laboratory results enable clinicians to make accurate diagnoses, prescribe appropriate treatment and monitor patients’ progress. This reduces the risk of complications, improves patient outcomes and ultimately eases the burden on Nigeria’s healthcare system. The importance of accuracy and reproducibility cannot be overstated. Many patients who have their tests conducted at Cerba-Lancet Nigeria tell us that when they repeat the same tests in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States or Canada, they receive virtually identical results. That consistency reinforces confidence in our laboratory services and demonstrates that our testing meets internationally accepted standards. Ultimately, accurate laboratory results provide the critical information healthcare professionals need to make sound clinical decisions, prevent complications, save lives and improve the overall quality of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

Advertisement

What advice would you give to young women trying to balance their careers with marriage, childbearing and other family responsibilities?

Today, we no longer talk about work-life balance as much as we talk about work-life integration, and I think that is a more realistic approach. As a wife, a mother and a chief executive, I fully understand how demanding it can be to juggle multiple responsibilities.

My advice is that you should never give up on your dreams. You must continue to pursue your aspirations while building a strong support system around you. The truth is that you often have to do it even when you are afraid. Pursuing a career does not mean you cannot get married or have children. I got married, had children and still pursued my dream of becoming a specialist. It requires intentional time management and making the best of every situation. The reality is that you will not always feel you are excelling in every area of your life at the same time. There are seasons when work demands more of your attention, and there are other times when your family needs you more. That is perfectly normal.

This is why having a supportive partner who believes in your dreams is invaluable. Such a partner can step in when your professional responsibilities require more of your time. For women who are fortunate to have reliable domestic support or parents who can assist with childcare, those support systems also make a significant difference. I always encourage young women to choose a life partner who supports their ambitions and celebrates their success. Equally important is having a dependable team at work. A strong support system, both at home and in the workplace, makes it easier to navigate the different roles you play.

There will be days when you feel like a great mother because you attended your child’s school event, and other days when work will demand your full attention. What matters is not achieving perfection every day but remaining committed to your goals.

Most importantly, do not abandon your dreams simply because you are a wife or a mother. Self-actualisation is important. If I had given up on my aspirations, I would not have become a pathologist or had the opportunity to lead a multinational organisation Today. Stay focused, remain resilient and keep pursuing your purpose.

What would be your final words for young Nigerian women who aspire to lead, particularly those who hope to head multinational organisations as you do?

My first advice is to believe in yourself. But believing in yourself is not enough. You must have a dream and be clear about where you want to go and what you want to achieve. Once you have that clarity, you must equip yourself with the skills, knowledge and competencies required to take on leadership roles. As I mentioned earlier, you must remain open to learning. Take advantage of every opportunity to grow, continuously upskill yourself and stay informed about the knowledge and expertise you need to achieve your goals.

Another important piece of advice is to find mentors and sponsors. They do not necessarily have to come from your own sector. I have mentors in healthcare, finance and education, and each has contributed to my personal and professional growth in different ways.

This is particularly important for women because there are still relatively few of us in leadership positions. Seek out people whose careers and values inspire you, and do not hesitate to reach out to them. Mentors can shorten your learning curve by helping you avoid mistakes and guiding you through difficult decisions, while sponsors can advocate for you, mention your name in the right rooms and open doors to new opportunities. Above all, strive for excellence in everything you do. Remain competent, deliver consistently and ensure your work speaks for itself. When your results demonstrate excellence, there will be no doubt about your ability to lead and succeed.

Copyright PUNCH

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]