INTRODUCTION

Translational science is the crucial link between bench research and bedside application. It ensures that discoveries in molecular biology and biomedicine evolve into tangible clinical tools and policies that save lives (Woolf, 2008). In infectious disease research, this discipline accelerates the development of vaccines, improves diagnostic precision, and informs public health strategies (Butler, 2008).

Nigeria bears a disproportionate infectious disease burden. The country accounts for about 27% of global malaria cases, ranks among the top ten TB-endemic nations, and hosts the second-largest HIV epidemic globally (WHO, 2023a; UNAIDS, 2022). Lassa fever, endemic to West Africa, continues to cause annual outbreaks with rising fatality rates (Olayemi et al., 2016).

While Nigeria’s biomedical research capacity has grown, gaps remain in translating findings into real-world interventions. Barriers such as underfunding, limited laboratory infrastructure, and slow adoption of new technologies persist (Godman et al., 2022). Strengthened translational research can close these gaps by uniting academic institutions, contract research organizations, and health agencies to transform scientific innovation into clinical and public health outcomes.

 

THE ROLE OF TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE IN INFECTIOUS DISEASE RESEARCH

Translational science has transformed how Nigeria detects, manages, and prevents infectious diseases. From rapid diagnostics to vaccine development and genomic surveillance, this field has directly impacted patient care and national preparedness.

 Diagnostics and Early Detection

Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of disease control. Translational research enabled the creation of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) that use Plasmodium-specific antigens to detect malaria swiftly, especially in rural regions lacking microscopy (WHO, 2023a). Similarly, the GeneXpert MTB/RIF platform revolutionized TB testing by identifying both Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance in under two hours—down from weeks using older methods (WHO, 2023b; Tiamiyu et al., 2020). These innovations have significantly reduced diagnostic delays and improved treatment outcomes.

Vaccine Development and Clinical Trials

Nigeria’s translational ecosystem has expanded into vaccine research. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) support ongoing Lassa fever vaccine trials, aiming to prevent recurrent outbreaks (Isaac et al., 2022).

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nigerian researchers and institutions, including NIMR and NIPRD, participated in global vaccine trials and studies on vaccine hesitancy (Babatope et al., 2023; Afolabi & Ilesanmi, 2021). This engagement not only generated Africa-specific safety and efficacy data but also strengthened Nigeria’s domestic vaccine research capacity.

Drug Discovery and Therapeutics

Translational science facilitates adaptation of treatments to local disease dynamics. For malaria, artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) have been integrated into Nigeria’s first-line treatment policy, informed by translational studies on drug resistance (WHO, 2023a). For TB, shorter regimens such as BPaL (bedaquiline, pretomanid, and linezolid) have improved patient adherence (Pym et al., 2016).

In viral diseases, translational studies have explored antiviral agents like ribavirin and favipiravir for Lassa fever treatment, driving locally relevant therapy optimization (Salam et al., 2022).

Policy and Surveillance Integration

The NCDC’s real-time surveillance systems exemplify how translational research informs policy. By converting genomic and epidemiological data into actionable intelligence, Nigeria has improved outbreak response for diseases such as cholera, COVID-19, and Lassa fever (NCDC, 2023). Moreover, translational findings underpin community-based strategies like directly observed treatment (DOT) for TB and insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) for malaria control (WHO, 2023b).

 

 

SUCCESS STORIES IN NIGERIA

Nigeria’s growing translational science sector has produced notable achievements, reflecting how research can be transformed into tangible health outcomes.

Development of Local Diagnostic Tools

Nigeria’s TB diagnostic success story stands out. Through the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP), over 400 GeneXpert centers now provide rapid testing nationwide (Adepoju, 2020). Similarly, the scale-up of malaria RDTs has enhanced early case detection even in hard-to-reach communities (WHO, 2023a).

Nigerian Contributions to Global Vaccine Trials

Beyond diagnostics, Nigeria’s participation in COVID-19 and Lassa fever vaccine trials has strengthened its reputation as a reliable partner in global infectious disease research (Isaac et al., 2022; Babatope et al., 2023). Researchers have also examined behavioral and cultural barriers to vaccine uptake, providing critical data for improving public health communication (Afolabi & Ilesanmi, 2021).

Genomics and Molecular Surveillance

The African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID) at Redeemer’s University has revolutionized Nigeria’s genomic landscape. ACEGID sequenced the first SARS-CoV-2 genome in Africa, identified emerging variants, and continues to track viral evolution (Yan & Hu, 2022; Siddle et al., 2018).

Beyond COVID-19, ACEGID’s genomic tools monitor malaria parasite diversity and antimicrobial resistance patterns (Oyola et al., 2016), making Nigeria a continental hub for molecular surveillance.

 

CHALLENGES LIMITING TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH

Despite visible progress, Nigeria’s translational science ecosystem faces systemic bottlenecks that limit impact and sustainability.

Inadequate Funding

Nigeria invests less than 0.2% of its GDP in research—far below the UNESCO-recommended 1% (Caelers & Okoth, 2023). Consequently, most translational projects rely on international donors such as WHO, the Gates Foundation, and the Wellcome Trust (Ihekweazu, 2022). Insufficient local funding stifles large-scale clinical trials, limits access to advanced equipment, and drives researcher migration.

Infrastructure Gaps

Many laboratories lack reliable electricity, modern equipment, and standardized biobanks for storing and analyzing samples (Garba & Saidu, 2020; Angeles & Catap, 2023). The absence of Good Clinical Practice (GCP)-compliant trial sites also restricts Nigeria’s capacity to host global research collaborations (Ntekim et al., 2020).

Regulatory and Ethical Barriers

Lengthy approval processes from NAFDAC and the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC) delay clinical trials and discourage partnerships (Okonta, 2014). Ethical sensitivities, stemming from incidents like the Pfizer Trovan trial in 1996, continue to influence public trust (Ikeagwulonu et al., 2021). Balancing ethical rigor with regulatory efficiency remains a pressing challenge.

Weak Academia-Industry-Government Collaboration

Universities and research institutes often work in isolation, with minimal engagement from the pharmaceutical industry or policymakers (Chika et al., 2023). This disconnect slows commercialization of locally developed tools and prevents research findings from informing national health policy (Uneke et al., 2012).

 

FUTURE DIRECTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

To unlock the full potential of translational infectious disease research in Nigeria, a deliberate, multi-sector strategy is essential.

Strengthening Research-to-Market Pipelines

Nigeria must build innovation hubs dedicated to scaling laboratory discoveries into commercially viable products (Chika et al., 2023). Public-private partnerships should incentivize local manufacturing of diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics through tax breaks, grants, and venture capital support (Garba & Saidu, 2020).

Enhancing International Collaborations

Collaborations with global institutions like EDCTP, Africa CDC, and NIH can expand Nigeria’s access to training, technology, and funding (Adeyemi & Olufemi, 2021; Salami & Kanmodi, 2021). Bilateral research agreements, exchange programs, and joint funding schemes would sustain knowledge transfer and capacity building.

Policy Reforms for Research Efficiency

Nigeria should streamline its clinical trial approval system by harmonizing regulatory functions across NAFDAC and NHREC (Okonta, 2014). Creating a centralized national clinical trial registry and implementing global best practices will increase transparency and accelerate innovation (Kentikelenis et al., 2023).

Government policies should also increase research funding in national budgets and encourage indigenous pharmaceutical production to reduce reliance on imports.

Investment in Bioinformatics and Surveillance

Expanding Nigeria’s genomic sequencing and bioinformatics capacity is vital for real-time disease tracking (Angeles & Catap, 2023). Integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning into surveillance systems can enhance outbreak prediction and response (Oladipo et al., 2024). Strengthening West African regional networks will also improve pandemic preparedness and data sharing (Uneke et al., 2012).

 

CONCLUSION

Translational science sits at the heart of Nigeria’s battle against infectious diseases—turning laboratory insights into diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive realities. While progress in genomics, vaccine research, and diagnostics demonstrates promise, persistent challenges in funding, infrastructure, regulation, and collaboration must be addressed.

Policymakers should prioritize regulatory reform and funding; researchers must pursue cross-disciplinary and international partnerships; and industry players should invest in commercialization and innovation ecosystems.

With strategic coordination across these fronts, Nigeria can transform its translational research landscape, elevate its role in global health innovation, and secure a healthier future for its citizens.

 

References

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