The Data Visionary Bringing Lasting Change to Nigeria’s Public Health – Saidi Suara

By Tosin Clegg

In Nigeria, where public health challenges are as vast as its population, Saidi Suara is charting a bold new path. His influence is not defined by titles or degrees alone, but by his rare ability to unite technology, data, and grassroots action for the social good.

With a background in computer science and public health, Saidi brings a dual lens to health and safety—one that is both analytical and deeply human. From conference halls to rural clinics, his work demonstrates that the future of public health lies in human empathy and scalable, data-driven solutions that communities can adopt and sustain.

This perspective has been transformative in regions where healthcare infrastructure lacks robust data systems. “Public health problems are complex, but data gives us a way to see patterns and predict outcomes before they become crises,” Saidi says. Guided by this belief, he has built models that prevent outbreaks, improve outcomes, and adapt across diverse communities.

His work in Bauchi State, particularly in the underserved Katagum area, has delivered significant gains for the community and remains a model that healthcare workers in Chinade continue to rely on. Through on-the-ground engagement and the use of data analytics and surveillance, he has charted a new course for community healthcare. This contribution has had a significant impact on the delivery of healthcare in the region since 2019.

“When you give healthcare workers the right data, the right tools, and the confidence to use them,” Saidi explains, “you don’t just improve today’s care — you create a foundation for lasting change. In Katagum, we’ve seen how timely information can help prevent outbreaks, improve patient outcomes, and inspire innovation at the grassroots level. The impact is still felt years later because the system we built was designed to grow stronger over time.”

His work at the Institute of Church Office Management (ICOM) in Lagos has become a case study in advancing healthcare and workplace safety through community-rooted strategies. Suara continues to lead and reinvent initiatives that go far beyond regulatory compliance, developing programs that integrate disease control mechanisms into congregational gatherings and faith-based activities. By training community and religious leaders to be more informed, proactive, and programmatic in their approach to health situations amongst their members and community, he has created a network of advocates capable of influencing behavior change at the grassroots level.

These programs, delivered through faith-based engagement, have penetrated deeply into communities, embedding health awareness into sermons, gatherings, and local outreach efforts. These aren’t just abstract achievements; they represent lives saved and outbreaks prevented.

“Faith spaces are powerful platforms,” Suara explains. “When pastors, imams, and community leaders understand the science behind disease control, they can turn every gathering into a space for learning, prevention, and empowerment. That’s how you move from reactive health responses to a culture of prevention.”

His approach demonstrates a critical truth: in Nigeria, faith-based structures are not just spiritual hubs—they are essential partners in addressing national health, safety, and development challenges. This underscores the real-world impact and national relevance of his work, especially in a country where industrial safety and public health are both critical concerns. He has also received the Champion of Progress Award from ICOM and fellowships with the Community Health Champions and the Digital Innovation School of Health.

A visible voice in global health dialogues, he has co-organized and spoken at major events, including the Lagos Health Summit and forums hosted by the WHO and NIH. His insights on the role of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare have placed him as one of Africa’s thought leaders in digital health transformation.

Saidi has a unique ability to bridge sectors — from grassroots health workers to corporate executives, and from communities to policymakers. He believes that for policies to be truly effective, “they must reflect lived realities.” This philosophy has been a key driver of his success, ensuring his innovative solutions are grounded in the actual needs of the people they serve. He views technology not just as a tool for analysis, but as a catalyst for a new era of public health in Africa, where data-driven decision-making and community engagement work in tandem to transform outcomes.

“If innovation doesn’t work for the people at the bottom of the system, then it isn’t real innovation,” Suara says. “The real test is whether a solution can be understood, embraced, and sustained at the community level, because that’s where change begins and where it lasts.” His approach demonstrates a critical truth: in Nigeria, faith-based structures are not just spiritual hubs—they are essential partners in addressing national health, safety, and development challenges.

In a world facing a convergence of crises, from pandemics to climate-related health threats, leaders like Saidi Suara are not just valuable, they are essential. His career is a powerful reminder that the future of public health is data-informed, globally connected, and deeply rooted in a commitment to human well-being.