What's Happening?
The Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, is urging pharmaceutical manufacturers in Nigeria to invest in local vaccine production. She emphasizes the need for preparedness against future
pandemics, citing the country's reliance on international donors during COVID-19. NAFDAC has achieved Maturity Level 3 for medicines and imported vaccines, and aims to establish a separate directorate for vaccines, biologics, and medical devices to align with international standards.
Why It's Important?
Local vaccine production in Nigeria is crucial for national health security and reducing dependency on foreign countries during pandemics. By establishing a robust regulatory framework and achieving WHO benchmarks, Nigeria can enhance its capacity to respond to health emergencies. The initiative supports the government's strategic role in promoting local manufacturing and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's agenda for self-sufficiency and economic growth.
What's Next?
NAFDAC is working towards achieving Maturity Level 3 for locally manufactured vaccines, with plans to start 'Fill and Finish' operations. The agency is preparing for WHO inspections and aims to establish a regulatory system for local vaccine production. The government is providing support to ensure manufacturing takes off, with a focus on building a sustainable and independent health infrastructure.
