Nasarawa hospital, institute sign MoU on vaccine development

The Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia, Nasarawa State, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development on vaccine research and development.

NIPRD is a Nigerian research institute that develops and promotes traditional medicine and pharmaceutical products, ensures quality control and assurance of products and provides training and capacity building in pharmaceutical research and development.

The signing of the MoU on Friday, which was chaired by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, had in attendance the Chief Medical Director of FUTH Lafia, Dr Hassan Ikrama and the Director General of the NIPRD, Dr Obi Adigwe.

Stakeholders signing the Memorandum of Understanding. Photo credit: FUTH

Speaking at the event, Pate said that the agreement formalises a strategic partnership aimed at boosting the growth of vaccine research and addressing its needs in Nasarawa State and beyond.

The minister noted that the collaboration would ensure research on vaccine development and a drug to protect people and treat Lassa Fever patients.

“The NIPRD has the expertise as a centre of excellence, while FUTH Lafia, in addition to providing expertise across various fields, would also provide the study participants and laboratory services needed for research trials,” Pate added.

In his response, the DG of NIPRD appreciated the minister, who, despite his tight schedule, decided to witness the MOU process, and saluted the commitment and resilience of the CMD towards the success of the exercise.

On his part, Ikrama commended the Federal Government and the minister’s commitment to the health sector, especially in the area of vaccines and research innovation.

The CMD, therefore, promised that the hospital would continue to invest in research with a view to addressing some of the dangerous diseases posing serious threats to human life.

PUNCH Online had reported that the Federal Ministry of Health had said the health sector is experiencing unprecedented momentum.

This momentum, it says, is driven by a series of major developments strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system, spanning international partnerships, technological innovations, and critical private-sector support.