Dr. Nelson Aluya Urges Indigenous Solutions At NIMSA International Health Summit

U.S.–based physician and global health advocate, Dr. Nelson Aluya, has called on Africa’s next generation of medical leaders to embrace innovation, indigenous knowledge, and stronger preventive health strategies as the continent works toward a more resilient healthcare future.

Dr. Aluya delivered the keynote address via Zoom at the just-concluded International Health and Leadership Summit organized by the Nigerian Medical Students Association (NIMSA), where he was also honoured with the NIMSA Award of the Year.

Speaking on the theme, “Leading the Future of Health Through Innovation and Untapped Potential,” Dr. Aluya described African medical students as “champions with great potential,” stressing that the continent’s health transformation rests on young professionals willing to rethink solutions, leverage technology, and drive community-centered change.

He urged participants to look beyond traditional learning models and take an active role in strengthening health systems across Africa.

A major highlight of his address was the growing threat of non-communicable diseases (NCDs)—particularly diabetes, which he warned has become a “present crisis” rather than a distant concern. He emphasized that prevention, early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and improved access to quality care must be prioritized by governments and health institutions.

Dr. Aluya also advocated for a renewed appreciation of indigenous African foods as part of a continent-wide strategy to combat diet-related illnesses. He noted that traditional diets—rich in whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and natural spices—offer significant health benefits that can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. According to him, innovation should include revitalizing cultural knowledge and blending it with modern medical insights.

Reaffirming the summit’s theme, Dr. Aluya called for sustained investment in health technology, including efficient electronic medical records and data-driven health systems. He encouraged stronger collaboration among government agencies, private sector players, and diaspora professionals to build a more inclusive and future-ready healthcare ecosystem.

The summit ended with participants pledging to champion innovation, strengthen preventive healthcare, and promote indigenous solutions in advancing the future of health in Africa.