Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, has condemned the importation of mosquito nets and called on government’s research agencies to partner with some higher institutions of learning and healthcare products manufacturers to research the possibilities of producing it locally.
Aside mosquito nets, he also endorsed the use of local herbal drugs, but recommended that they should be produced under the supervision of Nigerian Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) and the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Speaking at the presentation of ‘NAFDAC Guidelines 2016’, he pointed out that billions of “hard-earned” money was been used to import mosquito nets and other drugs that could be produced locally, and suggested that NAFDAC could partner with some Nigerian universities to enhance researches into local production of drugs.
He said, “when we came on board, what we were mandated to do was to develop the health agenda for the nation, doing so, we worked on delivering health to Nigerian citizens. The APC manifesto documented a new commitment to health, but we needed to build on this.”
He said, “we will make essential medicines available; make sure that we have self-sufficiency in local production and clinical practice. We will also ensure that we keep substandard products out of Nigeria.”
“I saw a challenge with the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria. I believe that many of the key products that we use in this country can be labeled as medical devices, including the Long-Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets. Please, ensure that these are produced in Nigeria,” he advised
In addition to this he said, ”we should also invest in local products. We call them traditional medicine, but, I want to call them Nigerian medicines. I think NIPRD will partner with us to research with their products, making sure that local preparations are available for Nigeria. I am sure NIPRD is aware of some of the commodities from the middle-belt such as the one that when taken can prevent Nigerian women from getting pregnant for the next one year. This should be made available.”
