The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has initiated steps to accelerate the local production of vaccine manufacturing and stop importation of vaccines into the country.
The government has reviewed and validated the draft national plan for vaccine research and development in the country. The plan, which was developed in 2021, is the first of its kind in Africa and highlights roles of relevant stakeholders in the vaccine landscape.
Speaking at a review and validation meeting organized by the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, (NIPRD) in Abuja, weekend, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed that the efforts of the Federal Government over the years to commence local vaccines production was already yielding the expected results.
The minister, who was represented by Dr. David Atuwo, noted that the review and validation meeting was timely because it provided critical stakeholders and policymakers the opportunity to address critical healthcare issues, as well as enhance entry of the pharmaceutical sector into the larger African market.
The review and validation of the draft roadmap, the minister stressed, would fast-track the achievement of the vaccine policy objectives of the federal government.
“With this initiative, I am confident that the government prioritization as regards local vaccine production will begin to yield the desired result within the shortest possible time, and the reliance on importation of this important public health tool will be drastically reduced.
“The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare will continue to provide the necessary oversight and work with NIPRD, partners and stakeholders at the various levels to ensure that the desired results of sustainable vaccine R&D and local production in Nigeria are achieved,” he said.
Speaking on the government’s level of preparation to kick-start local vaccine manufacturing, the minister said: “Despite the various challenges militating against local production of vaccines, I want to state that appreciable progress has been achieved in these past few years.:
“Nigeria has recently attained Maturity Level Three (ML3) for regulatory oversight and this includes the area of vaccines.
“With this and other ongoing reforms in the health sector, vaccines produced as a result of this process will not only satisfy national needs, but will also be available for international procurement.
“Whilst the government is taking steps to provide the needed infrastructure requisite for the implementation of local vaccines’ production, it is commendable that NIPRD, in line with its mandate, continues to set the pace for responsive innovation in this area.
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