Addressing the CREATE Programme dissemination conference, NIB Managing Director, Chief Dr Doli-Wura Seidu Zakaria, said the bank views health not merely as a social responsibility but as a core economic issue influencing productivity, public spending and long-term national resilience. 

“It is a great honour for me to join you here in Accra as the National Investment Bank PLC participates as a major stakeholder of this important dissemination conference,” he said, describing the initiative as a landmark effort. 

He cautioned that non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and stroke are no longer distant threats but conditions already affecting families, the workforce and the broader economy, increasing healthcare costs and constraining development. 

“Simply put, a healthy nation is indeed a wealthy nation,” he stated. 

Dr Zakaria emphasised that NIB’s support for the conference reflects its belief that sustainable economic transformation depends on strong human capital. He praised the CREATE Programme’s focus on community engagement and integrated care models as essential innovations for Africa’s health systems. 

The bank supported the hosting of the conference and coordinated key organisational aspects, bringing together leading researchers, policymakers, and international partners. He noted that NIB remains committed to acting not only as a lender but also as a development partner for driving initiatives that enhance resilience, improve livelihoods, and support sustainable growth.