By Bayo Wahab

After Akingbola Adewumi graduated from Lagos State University College of Medicine with flying colours , he was honoured with a scholarship to pursue a Master of Philosophy in Population Health Sciences at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.

Motivated to equip himself with world-class methods and strategies for enhancing public health, the young Nigerian believes his training at Cambridge University will grant him sufficient skills and knowledge to improve the quality of life for the people of West Africa.

Adewunmi is regarded as a distinguished catalyst for social impact among his peers. With his HealthDrive Nigeria initiative and research focusing on public health and epidemiology, he’s on the path to achieving his career dream.

In this interview with Vanguard, the young doctor explains how his initiative and thesis stand to address public health challenges in Nigeria and other African countries.

What inspired you to pursue a Master of Philosophy in Population Health Sciences at the University of Cambridge?

I’ve always been passionate about using data to drive meaningful public health decisions, especially in places like Nigeria, where access to healthcare and disease prevention efforts often face serious challenges. As a medical doctor, I saw firsthand how gaps in disease surveillance, poor data quality, and limited research infrastructure contributed to preventable deaths. I wanted to develop the epidemiological and analytical skills necessary to tackle these issues on a larger scale. 

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Population Health Sciences at the University of Cambridge stood out to me because it blends epidemiology, biostatistics, and policy-driven research, all of which are crucial for improving health outcomes in resource-limited settings. 

Cambridge also has a world-class research environment, and I was drawn to the opportunity to work with leading experts in epidemiology, infectious diseases, health policy, and global health interventions. Beyond the academic aspect, I wanted to use my time at Cambridge to conduct research that has real-world applications, particularly in improving disease estimation methods, which is what led me to my work on comparing Complete Case Analysis (CCA) and Multiple Imputation (MI) in estimating Hepatitis C prevalence among People Who Inject Drugs (PWIDs).

What specific skills or knowledge are you most excited to gain from the program, and how do you plan to apply them in your work?

I was particularly excited to gain advanced skills in epidemiological modeling, biostatistical analysis, and health policy evaluation, as these are essential for designing effective public health interventions. The program’s strong focus on data-driven decision-making allowed me to refine my ability to analyze large datasets, handle missing data (which led to my research on CCA vs. MI in estimating Hepatitis C prevalence), and apply statistical techniques to real-world health challenges. 

I am using these skills to improve disease surveillance in Nigeria, ensuring that public health policies are based on accurate, high-quality data. Through HealthDrive Nigeria, I am enhancing the implementation of our low-cost, data-driven screening programs model, particularly for viral hepatitis, while advocating for evidence-based policymaking that prioritizes preventive healthcare and equitable access to treatment.

Could you tell us more about your research focus at the University of Cambridge and how it ties into improving population health in Nigeria?

 My research at the University of Cambridge focused on comparing Complete Case Analysis (CCA) and Multiple Imputation (MI) in estimating the prevalence of Hepatitis C among People Who Inject Drugs (PWIDs). Missing data is a huge challenge in public health research, especially in low-resource settings where data collection can be inconsistent. 

Many studies rely on Complete Case Analysis, which excludes incomplete data and can lead to biased estimates. In contrast, Multiple Imputation uses statistical techniques to estimate missing values, providing a more reliable and accurate picture of disease prevalence. This research is crucial for Nigeria and other countries struggling with underreported health data. Hepatitis C is a major, but often overlooked public health threat and unreliable data makes it harder to allocate resources effectively.

 

My work advocates for stronger disease surveillance, more accurate health estimates, and evidence-based policymaking by demonstrating the advantages of better data handling techniques. Ultimately, improving data quality means better-targeted interventions, optimized resource distribution, and stronger public health outcomes, not just in Nigeria but globally.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve observed in the Nigerian healthcare system, and how do you hope to contribute to solving them?

One of the biggest challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare system is the lack of reliable data for decision-making. Many public health policies are based on incomplete or outdated data, leading to poor resource allocation and ineffective disease control strategies. This is particularly evident in diseases like viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, and emerging infectious diseases, where underreporting and misdiagnosis make it difficult to grasp the true burden. 

Another major issue is limited access to preventive healthcare. Many Nigerians only seek medical attention when illnesses have progressed, often due to cost barriers, lack of awareness, and weak primary healthcare infrastructure. Through my work with HealthDrive Nigeria, I’ve been tackling these challenges by providing free Hepatitis B screenings, highly subsidized vaccinations, and training community health workers in rapid diagnostics. Additionally, my research on better disease estimation methods aims to improve data accuracy and surveillance systems, ensuring that public health interventions are based on real, actionable insights. My long-term goal is to bridge the gap between research, policy, and implementation, creating a healthcare system that is proactive rather than reactive.

Can you elaborate on your advocacy initiatives under HealthDrive Nigeria and the impact you’ve made so far?

Under HealthDrive Nigeria, our advocacy is centered on raising awareness, improving access to preventive healthcare, and empowering local health workers. Since 2018, we have conducted free Hepatitis B screenings for approximately 15,000 people and facilitated highly subsidized vaccinations for about 10,000 individuals, many of whom would not have been able to afford these life-saving interventions. 

Beyond screenings and vaccinations, we believe in capacity building, which is why we train paramedics and community health workers on how to conduct rapid diagnostics for Hepatitis, HIV, Malaria, and other prevalent diseases.

By equipping frontline health workers with these skills, we are creating a ripple effect, ensuring that more people, especially in underserved communities, have access to early detection and treatment. Our goal is to shift the focus from treatment to prevention, bridging the gap between public health policy and grassroots action. Through strategic partnerships and continued advocacy, we aim to expand our reach, strengthen disease surveillance, and reduce the burden of preventable diseases in Nigeria and beyond.

What role do you believe epidemiology plays in reshaping healthcare systems, especially in developing countries like Nigeria?

Epidemiology is the backbone of an effective healthcare system, especially in developing countries like Nigeria, where resources are often limited and disease burdens are high. It provides the scientific foundation for understanding who gets sick, why, and how diseases spread, enabling governments and health organizations to make data-driven decisions rather than relying on assumptions. 

One of the biggest challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare system is poor disease surveillance and incomplete health data, leading to underreporting of outbreaks, inefficient resource allocation, and delayed responses to public health threats. Epidemiology helps bridge this gap by improving disease monitoring, outbreak prediction, and intervention planning. For example, with better epidemiological data, Nigeria can optimize vaccination campaigns, strengthen early detection of epidemics, and ensure health funds are directed where they are most needed.

Through my work, both in research and HealthDrive Nigeria, I focus on using data-driven approaches to improve disease estimation, health policy planning, and preventive healthcare efforts. Ultimately, a stronger epidemiological framework can reshape Nigeria’s healthcare system into one that is proactive rather than reactive, ensuring that disease outbreaks are prevented before they escalate. Health interventions reach the most vulnerable populations in time.

What advice would you give to Nigerians aspiring to make a difference in the healthcare sector?

My advice to Nigerians aspiring to make a difference in the healthcare sector is to start where you are, use what you have, and stay committed to the impact you want to create. The challenges in our healthcare system can feel overwhelming, but real change happens when people take small, consistent steps toward solutions. First, equip yourself with knowledge; healthcare is evolving, and staying updated on new research, policies, and innovations will set you apart. Whether you’re a clinician, researcher, public health advocate, or policymaker, never stop learning. 

Second, embrace data and evidence-based decision-making. Many healthcare problems persist in Nigeria because reliable data do not back interventions. If you can leverage research, epidemiology, or data analytics, you’ll play a key role in shaping policies that actually work.

Third, collaborate and engage with communities. The most effective healthcare solutions directly impact people’s lives. Through HealthDrive Nigeria, I’ve seen firsthand how grassroots initiatives like free screenings, health education, and training community workers can make a lasting difference. 

Finally, stay resilient and think long-term. Transforming healthcare is not a one-day effort; it requires persistence, partnerships, and a vision that extends beyond personal success to collective well-being. Whether through advocacy, clinical work, policy reform, or innovation, your contribution matters, and Nigeria needs more changemakers in healthcare. Just start!

Vanguard News