Boost local vaccine production to reduce reliance on foreigners, NMA tells FG

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has urged the federal government to improve in its efforts to boost local vaccine production in order to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on other countries.

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This was disclosed by NMA, in a communique issued on Wednesday at the end of its annual general conference, said the country has demonstrated capacity in the past by producing vaccines against yellow fever.

Doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine currently being distributed in Nigeria were procured through the United Nations-led COVAX initiative.

However, recently, the federal government said Nigeria has joined the list of countries developing COVID-19 vaccines with two candidates currently awaiting clinical trials.

NMA urged the federal government to ensure the success of the recently-launched initiative on promoting indigenous efforts.

“We strongly appeal to the Federal Government to spare no efforts at ensuring success of the renewed initiative with the inauguration of the Biovaccines Nigeria Ltd., a joint venture between the federal government and May & Baker Nigeria Plc,” the association said.

MTO/Cable