Pharmacists in Nigeria report that low investment and high operational costs hinder local drug manufacturing. Ayuba Ibrahim emphasized the challenges posed by inadequate infrastructure, urging government action to support local production. Minister Pate highlighted the role of vaccines in combating malaria, while Senator Nwoko advocated for dedicated efforts to enhance malaria research and manufacturing capabilities.
Pharmacists in Nigeria have identified ongoing challenges hindering the nation from becoming a hub for drug and vaccine manufacturing. They highlight that low investment levels contribute to the preference for importing pharmaceuticals, which is perceived as more profitable for investors. Ayuba Ibrahim, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, stressed that establishing drug manufacturing facilities is extremely capital-intensive due to inadequate infrastructure, such as unreliable electricity and scarce water supply.
During a malaria workshop held by the Ned Nwoko Foundation, Ibrahim pointed out that local manufacturers face operational costs that make their products more expensive than imported drugs. This discrepancy often leads stakeholders to favor importation over local production, stifling the growth of the pharmaceutical industry.
Ibrahim called upon the Government to foster a more favorable environment for local drug manufacturing, suggesting that declaring a state of emergency in the pharmaceutical sector could alleviate some burdens faced by manufacturers. He emphasized the necessity for Nigeria to produce essential medicines and vaccines to combat diseases like malaria, which continues to be a significant health threat.
Muhammad Pate, the coordinating minister of Health and Social Welfare, represented by Godwin Ntadom, reiterated the importance of vaccines in malaria elimination efforts. He noted that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the administration aims to utilize vaccines for improved public health outcomes, given Nigeria’s high rates of malaria cases and related mortality.
Pate assured attendees of the Federal Ministry of Health’s commitment to collaborating with the Ned Nwoko Foundation to develop a sustainable malaria vaccine manufacturing ecosystem in Nigeria.
Ned Nwoko, the Foundation’s founder and Senator for Delta North, addressed malaria as a critical public health issue in Africa, urging for more decisive action to combat the disease. He mentioned legislative efforts to establish an agency focused on malaria research and vaccine production to ensure better funding and support for addressing this health crisis.
Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector is in urgent need of investments and supportive policies to enhance local manufacturing capabilities. It is crucial for the Government, stakeholders, and healthcare leaders to advance strategies that enable the production of life-saving medications and reduce dependency on foreign imports, ultimately improving public health outcomes.
The current situation facing Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing sector is characterized by insufficient investment and high operational costs. The call to action emphasizes the need for government intervention to create a more favorable manufacturing environment, enhancing local production capabilities. By implementing effective policies and fostering collaboration, Nigeria can strive towards becoming a self-sufficient hub for drug and vaccine manufacturing, particularly in the fight against malaria.
Original Source: businessday.ng
