Over three decades, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar has achieved health impact through tuberculosis (TB) control, emerging infections and health systems scholarship. His TB research ranged from the hyperlocal, assessing mortality and burden in Kano, to major studies using skin tests and interferon-γ release assays to evaluate latent TB, and on the mechanism and duration of BCG protection. He led active case finding research using a combination of digital x-ray technology, computer aided diagnosis and molecular confirmation that influenced policy in and beyond Nigeria. In recognition of his impactful research, he was appointed as chair of WHO’s main strategic and technical advisory group for TB (2016-19).
Building on his infectious diseases research, Professor Abubakar was appointed Scientific and Technical Adviser to the Nigeria Presidential Taskforce on Covid-19 in 2020. His team responded to daily requests for evidence-based policy papers that used local and international data to inform national decisions. His team led international European Commission-funded research to investigate SARS-CoV-2 viral evolution, vaccines, immunity, and pandemic preparedness, with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
He has additionally collaborated with NCDC to investigate mPox and Lassa Fever transmission and reservoirs, work that contributed to his appointment to the WHO/World Bank Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (2022-25). Prof. Abubakar led the 33-person (including six FAS) Lancet Nigeria Commission to complete bespoke analysis of Nigeria’s health system and make recommendations on financing, health workforce, data systems, health security and research and innovation. He led data analysis, conducted audits of existing systems, and outlined actionable opportunities for better health outcomes, including the passing of legislation mandating basic health insurance and creating a vulnerable fund to cover the 83 million poorest Nigerians. Prof Abubakar continues to work through the Nigeria Health Research Committee and the Nigeria Malaria Advisory Committee to inform national policy.