Cochrane is an international not-for-profit and independent organization, dedicated to making up-to-date, accurate information about the effects of healthcare readily available worldwide. It produces and disseminates systematic reviews of healthcare interventions and promotes the search for evidence in the form of clinical trials and other studies of interventions.
The work of Cochrane is facilitated by over 100 Cochrane Centres, Associate centres, Affiliates and Geographic Networks around the World. Cochrane Nigeria, which is one of the asociate centres, was established in February 2006. Cochrane Activities in Nigeria, however, dates back as far as 1998 when the current Director, Professor Martin Meremikwu, met with Coordinating Editor of the Cochrane Infectious Group, and was subsequently supported by that group to develop two Cochrane Systematic Reviews ‘Blood transfusion for treating severe malarial anaemia’ and ‘Antipyretics for treating fever in malaria’. With local institutional support and grants support, training in Evidence Based Medicine and Cochrane Systematic Reviews began in 1999.
Since then, the work of Cochrane has continued to grow in Nigeria and over 140 Nigerians have been involved in Cochrane as Cochrane Systematic Review authors, members of the Consumers Network and as entity (Branch) staff.
Structure of Cochrane Nigeria
Director - Prof. Martin Meremikwu
Co-Director - Prof. Angela Oyo-Ita
Deputy Director/Training Coordinator - Dr. Emmanuel Effa
Senior Research Associates - Prof. Friday Odey, Dr. Ekong Udoh, Dr. Olabisi Oduwole, Dr. Ekpereonne Esu
Communications Officer - Mrs. Moriam Chibuzor
Research Officer - Mrs. Dachi Arikpo
Research Assistant - Ms. Chukwudi Oringanje
Research Associates - Mrs. Chioma Oringanje Opara, Dr. Chibuzo Odigwe,and Dr. Bridget Nwagbara
Accounts Officer - Mr. Akosa Okafo
Project/Office Assistant - Mr. Chima Nwaneri
NIGERIAN AUTHORS AND COCHRANE GROUPS
Nigerians are involved in the following Cochrane Groups:
• Acute Respiratory Infections Group
• Anaesthesia Group
• Back Group
• Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group
• Breast Cancer Group
• Campbell and Cochrane Equity Methods Group
• Childhood Cancer Group
• Colorectal Cancer Group
• Consumers and Communication Group
• Consumer Network
• Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group
• Developmental, Psychosocial and Learning Problems Group
• Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group
• Effective Practice and Organisation of Care Group
• Eyes and Vision Group
• Fertility Regulation Group
• Heart Group
• Hepato-Biliary Group
• HIV/AIDS Group
• Injuries Group
• Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group
• Neonatal Group
• Oral Health Group
• Pregnancy and Childbirth Group
• Public Health Group
• Renal Group
• Schizophrenia Group
• Skin Group