NMA decries Nigerian govt’s ‘over-dependence’ on other countries for vaccines

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has appealed to the Federal Government to spare no efforts at revamping Local Vaccines Production (LVP) in Nigeria.

The association made the appeal in a communiqué issued at the end of its Annual General Conference and Delegates Meeting (AGC/ADM) “Tin City 2021” held in Jos, Plateau with the theme: “Nigeria and the Global Health Agenda 2030.”

The communiqué was jointly signed by its National President, Prof. Innocent Ujah, and Secretary-General, Dr Ekpe Philips.

It stated that the conference took cognisance of the fact that Nigeria had demonstrated capacity in vaccine production against Yellow Fever in the past through the Federal Vaccines Production Laboratory Yaba.

It, however, expressed concerns that the local production of the vaccine stopped in 1991 for several reasons.

“We strongly appeal to the Federal Government to spare no efforts at ensuring the 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 NMA will be very pleased if the initiative is realised so as to reduce the over-dependence on other countries and achieve self-sufficiency in vaccine production,” the association appealed.

The NMA urged the Federal Government to lead in mobilising state governments to garner the needed political will, financial resources, partnerships, and other requirements to rejig their emergency plans, preparedness, and response to epidemics/pandemic.

READ ALSO: Nigerian govt reveals reason local production of COVID-19 vaccine is yet to commence

The association noted with deep concerns, the epidemiological triple jeopardy of existing infectious diseases, emerging infections including the ongoing pandemic, and the ticking time bomb of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

It called on the Federal Government to take the lead in appropriately funding existing health institutions and services as well as adequate provision of welfare and a conducive work environment for doctors and other healthcare workers.

“The AGC/DM resolves to continue with the high-level advocacy for the improvement of access, quality of healthcare services and financial risk protection that will guarantee the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (Agenda 2030),” it said.

This according to the NMA would ensure that no Nigerian was left behind in health toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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