Bosede Afolabi, Director, Clinical Trials, Research and Implementation Science (CCTRIS) – Businessday NG
Bosede Afolabi, a renowned Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, has made significant strides in the field of women’s health and maternal medicine in Nigeria. As the Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, and the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Afolabi’s passion for reducing maternal mortality is evident.
With a strong focus on maternal medicine, including sickle cell pregnancy, anaemia in pregnancy, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and cardiac disease in pregnancy, Afolabi’s expertise extends to various areas of gynecology, such as infertility, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Afolabi’s contributions to research and safe delivery have not gone unnoticed. As a Principal Investigator and co-PI, she has secured research grants exceeding $15 million USD. She has also authored more than 108 peer-reviewed publications, shedding light on crucial topics in maternal medicine, particularly sickle cell pregnancy. Her dedication to furthering knowledge and improving care is evident through her involvement with editorial boards and her role as a PhD examiner.
Afolabi’s collaboration with international academics has expanded her reach and impact. Partnering with researchers from esteemed institutions such as the University of Nottingham, Karolinska Institutet, Institute of Tropical Medicine, and Harvard University, Afolabi has enriched her understanding and advanced her research endeavors.
Reflecting on her recent accomplishments, Afolabi expressed immense pride in leading a major clinical trial, the largest of its kind on the topic of intravenous versus oral iron in pregnancy. This trial took place in 11 hospitals across two Nigerian states, showcasing Afolabi’s commitment to improving maternal health outcomes. She acknowledged and praised the team of over 80 individuals who contributed to the project, including co-Investigators, statisticians, data managers, research nurses, and administrative staff. Afolabi also extended her gratitude to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for entrusting them with this crucial work, as well as the pregnant Nigerian women who participated in the trial.
Afolabi’s remarkable contributions have not gone unnoticed within Nigeria’s healthcare community. In 2021, she was honored with a Special Recognition Award by the ‘Physician of The Year Award Committee’ for her unwavering dedication to healthcare. Furthermore, she received the prestigious ‘Excellence in Research’ award from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Nigeria (SOGON) in November 2022. Afolabi’s influence has extended to the international stage, as she was selected as a speaker at the Goalkeepers event during the UN General Assembly in September 2023.
Apart from her groundbreaking research and leadership in academia, Afolabi also chairs renowned organizations such as the Kensington Adebukola Adebutu Foundation (KAAF) Laboratory and Maternity Centre and the Maternal and Reproductive Health Research Collective (MRHRC). She serves as the President of the Association of Fetomaternal Medicine Specialists of Nigeria, further cementing her role as a leader in the field.
Bosede Afolabi’s exemplary work and tireless efforts towards improving women’s health and reducing maternal mortality make her a true advocate for change. Her contributions to research, clinical trials, and implementation science have positioned her as a driving force in Nigeria’s medical landscape. As she continues to push boundaries and forge new paths, Afolabi’s impact on maternal health will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy.
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