On October 7, 2024, the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC) in Ile-Ife played host to a delegation from the UK-based Tropical Health Education Trust (THET), marking a significant step forward in their ongoing collaboration on early childhood development research.
The visit underscored a shared commitment to improving childhood outcomes, with a focus on evidence-based interventions that could have far-reaching effects on both individual well-being and societal progress.
Representing OAUTHC’s management were Dr. Mrs. Tade Ijarotimi, Physician-in-Charge of Phase 4, and Dr. Lekan Olasehinde, Physician-in-Charge of Phase 2. In her remarks, Dr. Ijarotimi expressed deep gratitude for OAUTHC’s inclusion in this vital project, which she described as pivotal for shaping healthier futures for children.
She highlighted that the hospital has remained a steadfast partner, providing essential resources, including staff, space, and technical support to facilitate the project’s success.
The meeting also saw the participation of key stakeholders and experts in the field.
Leading the OAUTHC project team was Dr. Oluwatosin Olorunmoteni, who has been instrumental in driving the hospital’s contributions to the initiative.
Representing THET were Jessica Fraser, and Megan Cox (United Kingdom), Adenike Badiora (THET Nigeria), Suzanna Bright and Marie Bontoux from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, UK. Their expertise and dedication to global health partnerships continue to strengthen the project’s impact.
In addition, Mrs Hadiza Dako from the Federal Ministry of Health in Abuja provided crucial insights into how the research aligns with national health priorities.
Dr. Ijarotimi reaffirmed OAUTHC’s unwavering commitment to supporting the initiative and ensuring its long-term success, calling the collaboration a beacon of hope for improving early childhood development outcomes in Nigeria.
This partnership, she noted, is poised to generate lasting benefits not only for the immediate community but for the nation at large.
