WHX in Lagos Kickstarts Global Event Targeting Health System Transformation and Market Readiness

The World Health Expo (WHX in Lagos 2026), previously known as Medic West Africa, officially opened in Lagos, positioning itself as West Africa’s leading platform for healthcare trade, medicine, and innovation. Organized by Informa Markets, the event welcomed over 8,000 healthcare professionals and 500 exhibitors from 40 countries, marking its expansion into a key driver for regional healthcare policy and diagnostic advancements. Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Isiaq Adekunle Salako, highlighted the urgent need to reduce West Africa’s reliance on imported medical equipment, which accounts for 85% to 99% of diagnostics and devices. To address this, the federal government has launched the Presidential Initiative to Unlock Healthcare Value Chains (PVAC) and a Presidential Executive Order for the Pharmaceutical and Allied Sectors, aiming to strengthen health security, economic growth, and job creation through public-private partnerships. Dr. Salako announced the $1.2 billion Sector-Wide Approach (SWAP) initiative, a comprehensive program to improve financing, workforce development, and healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, the government allocated ₦402 billion for health sector infrastructure in the 2025 fiscal year, supporting projects like oncology centers, diagnostic labs, and cardiac catheterization facilities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The event also featured discussions on scaling local health tech solutions, with leaders like Dr. Ifunanya Ilodibe of EHA Clinics emphasizing the need for unified healthcare growth strategies. Njide Ndili, President of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN), addressed financial barriers hindering local innovation, stressing the role of platforms like WHX in connecting policymakers, investors, and clinicians. With Nigeria’s healthcare market projected to grow by 7.1% to $161.7 million by 2027 and the broader West African market valued at over $11 billion, Dr. Salako urged global investors to leverage WHX in Lagos as a gateway for technology and investment in Nigeria’s healthcare system.