Nigeria, Delta Take Digital Health Message To Global Summit In Thailand
By PAULINA NZERUBE
Nigeria, Delta Gain Global Health Spotlight
NIGERIA and Delta State featured prominently at the Second World Summit on Sustainable Health and Well-Being in Thailand, as delegates examined how technology can help address persistent gaps in healthcare access.
Held at the United Nations Conference Centre, the summit attracted participants from more than 60 countries. Government officials, diplomats, healthcare professionals, traditional leaders, industry experts and private-sector representatives took part in discussions on the future of sustainable health and well-being.
Representing Nigeria, Delta State Webmaster Louis Zuokumor Osiobe spoke on “Digital Health, Artificial Intelligence and Responsible Innovation in Sustaining Global Health and Well-Being.”
His presentation placed digital technology, access to credible health information and responsible use of artificial intelligence at the centre of discussions on healthcare delivery.
Bridging the Healthcare Information Gap
Osiobe noted that rapid technological development had transformed communication and access to information. However, he argued that those advances had not automatically produced equitable access to quality healthcare.
Against that backdrop, he raised concerns about the growing circulation of unverified health information across social media platforms.
According to him, access to information does not necessarily amount to access to knowledge. Therefore, he stressed that personal opinions should not substitute scientific evidence or professionally validated medical guidance.
He consequently called for stronger digital health policies that would promote access to accurate, credible and professionally validated healthcare information.
Telemedicine & Underserved Communities
Beyond information access, Osiobe highlighted telemedicine as another area where technology could expand healthcare delivery.
He advocated secure digital platforms capable of connecting patients with verified healthcare professionals, including specialists located outside their immediate communities, where such arrangements remain legally and clinically appropriate.
Such systems, he said, could help overcome geographical barriers while extending professional healthcare services to underserved populations.
Furthermore, he identified several areas where artificial intelligence could support healthcare. These include health education, language translation, medical research, data analysis, early identification of health risks and access to reliable health information.
AI Must Remain Under Human Oversight
While highlighting the opportunities created by AI, Osiobe also stressed the need for responsible innovation.
He argued that artificial intelligence should complement rather than replace healthcare professionals. Its application, he maintained, should remain anchored in ethical standards, scientific evidence, appropriate regulation and human oversight.
That approach, he said, would help ensure that technological innovation strengthens healthcare systems without compromising professional judgment, patient safety or public trust.
Delta’s Growing Digital Transformation Agenda
Osiobe described his participation at the summit as an opportunity to demonstrate the capacity of Nigerian professionals to contribute to international discussions on healthcare, technology and sustainable development.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for what he described as policies that have created opportunities for Nigerians and Deltans to participate in international engagements.
He also acknowledged the Delta State Government’s efforts in the health sector, particularly the role of the Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme.
According to Osiobe, Delta’s presence in global discussions on digital health and innovation reflects the state’s broader emphasis on investment, technology and digital transformation.
He linked that focus to the recently concluded Delta State Investment Summit, which he said further highlighted opportunities for technology-driven development.
A Call for Knowledge & Innovation
Osiobe ultimately urged Nigerians and Deltans to invest more in knowledge, innovation, digital infrastructure and professional excellence.
He maintained that Nigeria possesses the human capacity to contribute meaningfully to global development, provided professionals and institutions continue to strengthen their knowledge base and embrace responsible innovation.
