Dear Neil,
As a researcher and author, I have actively experienced the transformative power of Open Access (OA) in my work. Throughout my career, OA has provided me with extensive access to a wealth of scientific literature, global health reports, and peer-reviewed studies, enabling me to conduct timely and comprehensive research. This access is especially valuable in multi-country studies, systematic reviews, and health systems analyses, where up-to-date evidence is critical for producing robust and relevant findings.
As an author, one publishes his research in open-access journals and platforms, ensuring that our work reaches a broad and diverse audience. By making my studies and writings freely available, I have contributed to the democratization of knowledge, allowing practitioners, policymakers, and fellow researchers—particularly in resource-limited settings—to apply insights to real-world healthcare challenges. Several of my OA articles have informed policy development, guided programme implementation, and fostered innovations in community health interventions across Africa and global South.
OA has also facilitated collaboration in my work, enabling me to work closely with international researchers, share data, and co-author publications that bridge local and global health perspectives. I actively engage in OA networks, advocating for wider adoption of open publishing practices to promote equity in knowledge access, strengthen research capacity, and accelerate the translation of evidence into practice.
In essence, my hands-on experience with Open Access epitomizes its critical role in advancing research quality, visibility, and impact. OA has empowered me to conduct meaningful studies, share knowledge globally, and contribute to evidence-driven healthcare improvements, reinforcing my commitment to bridging science, policy, and practice for better health outcomes in Africa and beyond.
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)
HIFA profile: 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