Dear Neil,
I have experienced firsthand how Open Access (OA) transforms healthcare practice and decision-making. In my daily work as a global health and development systems advocate, OA allows me to access the latest research, guidelines, and policy reports without financial or institutional barriers. This immediate access ensures that the provision of care is evidence-based, innovative, and aligned with global best practices, while remaining adaptable to local health realities.
In practical terms, I frequently use OA resources to inform health care advocacy, design community health interventions, and implement health promotion programs. During the recent COVID-19, during outbreaks and emerging health challenges, I have relied on freely available research and case studies to develop responsive strategies that are both effective and culturally appropriate. OA also empowers me to mentor younger healthcare professionals and researchers by guiding them toward credible, accessible sources of knowledge, thereby strengthening capacity within Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) and other networks.
Beyond personal use, I actively contribute to the OA ecosystem by publishing my own research and programme reports in open-access platforms. This ensures that findings from African healthcare settings reach a global audience, support knowledge exchange and enable other professionals to replicate successful interventions. I therefore view OA not only as a professional tool but as a means to democratize healthcare knowledge, reduce inequities in information access, and promote evidence-driven solutions across our communities.
In summary, my engagement with Open Access exemplifies how freely available knowledge can directly enhance healthcare practices, research, and health system improvements. My hands-on use of OA demonstrates a commitment to bridging global insights with local action, advancing healthcare quality, and fostering a more equitable and informed health community.
Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje
CEO and Permanent Representative to the United Nations,
Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA) - CSOs Global Network and Think-tank for Health, Climate Actions and Development (Winner of the SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing Champion Award).
<https://afrihealthcsos.blogspot.com/2024/03/about-afrihealth-optonet-ass...
National Coordinator,
Civil Society Partnership for Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria (CSP-SDGs Nigeria)
Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje is a leading voice in health education, community health, and advocacy, with decades of experience advancing people-centered development across Africa and beyond. His approach to health education emphasizes participatory learning, knowledge transfer, and behavior change communication, ensuring that individuals and communities gain the skills and awareness to make informed decisions about their health. He develops and delivers innovative health promotion strategies tailored to local realities, particularly in resource-limited settings. In community health, Dr. Adirieje has championed integrated primary health care, preventive medicine, and grassroots health initiatives. Through Afrihealth Optonet Association (AHOA), which he leads, he connects civil society, community groups, and health institutions to strengthen healthcare delivery, tackle health inequities, and improve access to essential services for vulnerable populations. His work addresses infectious diseases, maternal and child health, nutrition, climate and health, environmental health, and emerging public health challenges. As a passionate advocate, Dr. Adirieje works with governments, NGOs, and international organizations to influence health policy, mobilize resources, and promote sustainable development goals (SDGs). He amplifies community voices, ensuring that health systems are inclusive, accountable, and responsive. His advocacy extends beyond health to governance, environment, and social justice, positioning him as a multidisciplinary leader shaping healthier and more equitable societies. afrepton AT gmail.com