Anambra State Inaugurates Health Research Ethics Committee

The Anambra State Government has inaugurated the State Health Research Ethics Committee in the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike said that the objectives of the committee are to achieve results and save the lives of the people through the research findings that will inform decisions.

“We formed this Health Research Ethics Committee to take charge of research in the state, Organisations, individuals and even the Ministry of Health will work together to find out the causes of some health issues in the state through their research work.

Dr. Obidike said that there is always a need to research the prevalence of diseases noting that the committee will do the research, interpret and help guide the individuals, and their thesis.

“Research expands knowledge, gives the latest information, and helps us to know what we are up against.

“Organisations like World Health Organisation, (WHO) and United Nations International Children Emergency Fund, (UNICEF), will also help channel them in the right direction and we are happy that we have the highest professionals in this ethics committee.

“This committee will be chaired by Prof. John Eleje and the Co-Chair is Dr. Chukwunonso Nnebo who is also an associate Professor.’’ Dr. Obidike said.

According to him, the committee also boosts a Consultant in Public Health, a Consultant Physician, Doctors in all fields, Pharmacists, Medical labs, and a Radiologist who is a consultant.

He explained that every aspect of health is well represented in the committee; So, where there are issues regarding a particular field there is always someone to solve the issue.

The commissioner noted that Gov. Charles Soludo-led’s administration is using a holistic approach to tackle, as well address health issues across the state.

“Our governor is a research-oriented person and he likes working with accurate data, so I urge you all to work for the interest of the public.’’

Chairman of the committee, Prof. John Eleje thanked the Anambra State Government for constituting the research committee and assured of their commitment to discharge their duties accordingly.