Nigeria Health Watch’s Future of Health Conference to Advance Scaling Health Innovations  for Impact

By Ojoma Akor

Nigeria Health Watch will convene the 2026 Future of Health Conference on Thursday, 29 October, in Abuja.

In a statement, the organization said the conference will bring together health leaders, policymakers, researchers, innovators, development partners, and other stakeholders to explore practical pathways to translate health innovations into measurable, sustainable impact.

The conference will focus on the theme “From Innovation to Impact: The Future of Health is Now,” advancing solutions that address Nigeria’s most pressing health challenges, strengthening the systems needed to scale proven interventions, and reimagining how healthcare is financed, delivered, and sustained.

The program will feature 10 speakers, four Innovation Showcases, and three side events, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and engagement around the policies, partnerships, and investments needed to improve health outcomes in Nigeria and across the region.

Through its focus on innovations that save lives now, scaling what works, and reimagining health, #FHC2026 will provide a platform for stakeholders to examine promising approaches, share evidence, and identify opportunities to move from ideas and pilot projects to solutions that can deliver impact at scale.

Featured sessions include a signature conversation with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), exploring how research, partnerships, and vaccine investments strengthen regional epidemic preparedness. The discussion will examine CEPI’s 100 Days Mission and the support needed to sustain preparedness. It will also explore how the ENABLE study is deepening understanding of Lassa fever and strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to conduct vaccine clinical trials and respond to future threats.

Additional discussions will address critical health priorities, including family planning and maternal health, with stakeholders exploring opportunities to strengthen integration, financing and access to essential services.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Vivianne Ihekweazu, Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, said, “We need to provide innovations that work and the support to reach more people and improve health outcomes. The Future of Health Conference brings together some of this evidence and explores the partnerships needed to put it into practice. This includes financing stronger health systems that can sustain more effective care delivery. We want these conversations to lead to practical action, so that proven solutions become part of everyday healthcare delivery. Building that future is a shared responsibility, and the work continues now”

The Future of Health Conference is part of Nigeria Health Watch’s broader commitment to strengthening health communication, promoting evidence-informed decision-making and convening stakeholders to advance better health outcomes. By bringing together voices from across the health ecosystem, the conference aims to encourage practical commitments and partnerships that support a more resilient, equitable and sustainable health system.

Nigeria Health Watch is a not-for-profit health communications and advocacy organization dedicated to improving health outcomes in Nigeria through informed commentary, evidence-based reporting, strategic communications, and stakeholder engagement. The organization strengthens public discourse on health and supports action on the policies and investments needed to improve Nigerians’ health and well-being.