FG Unveils National Plan for Vaccine Research and Production

• Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa introduces Nigeria’s vaccine research and production plan, a collaboration with the EU, Bulgaria, and NIPRD
• The plan, aligned with the National Vaccine Policy, aims for end-to-end vaccine production, with potential support for three vaccine plants

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, officially introduced the plan for vaccine research, development, and local production in Nigeria. Unveiling the plan in Abuja, the minister highlighted its origin from a year-long collaboration between the European Union, the Bulgarian Government, and the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) on behalf of the Nigerian government.

This collaborative effort is seen as crucial in complementing the National Vaccine Policy. The national plan, developed through a novel bottom-up approach, is envisioned to serve as a comprehensive template guiding the end-to-end production of vaccines.

Dr. Alausa commended NIPRD and local and international partners for leading the initiative and supporting Nigeria’s efforts in this thematic area. He acknowledged the significance of the plan, emphasizing its role in guiding the domestic production of vaccines.

The Director-General of NIPRD, Dr. Obi Adigwe, expressed optimism that, with the right support and prioritization, the institute could oversee the establishment of up to three vaccine plants in Nigeria within the plan’s timeframe. He appreciated the federal government, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for instilling confidence in the institute and providing necessary support for optimal performance under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Bulgarian Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Yanko Yordanov, commended the Ministry of Health for involving his government in this critical health initiative. He expressed commitment to continuous support and partnership for high-level research activities in Nigeria.

The Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, Ambassador Samuela Isopi, praised NIPRD’s efforts in positioning Nigeria as a hub for medicine production in the African sub-region. Represented by Prof Ben Amor Mathieu, he reiterated the strong alignment of the plan with the priorities of the European Union.