The National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) has joined forces with the African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation (APTF) to tackle technology disparities within Nigeria’s pharmaceutical and vaccine industries.
In a statement issued by the consortium, this initiative aligns with the Presidential directive aimed at unlocking the health sector’s value chain under the purview of the Federal Ministry of Health.
Following approval from the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, a two-day high-level dialogue is scheduled to commence on March 18, 2024. The primary objective of this dialogue is to identify and address pervasive technological gaps across the pharmaceutical, vaccine, and related sectors.
The subsequent technical session on March 19, 2024, will focus on enhancing public health-centric patent guidelines and intellectual property policies. The overarching goal is to foster sustainable local production of medicines and vaccines within Nigeria.
The statement elaborated, “The High-Level Dialogue and the Technical Session slated for March 18th and 19th, 2024, in Abuja, will be presided over by Minister of State, Dr. Tunji Alausa. International delegations from countries such as Rwanda and Cote D’Ivoire are confirmed to attend. Key figures include Professor Padmashree Gehl Sampath, Chief Executive of APTF, and Professor Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, Senior Special Adviser on Industrialization at the African Development Bank. Leading the Nigerian delegation will be Dr. Obi Adigwe, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NIPRD.”
The event is expected to feature dignitaries and guest speakers including Senator Dr. Ipalibo Banigo, Chair of the Senate Committee for Health; Dr. Yanko Yordanov, Ambassador of Bulgaria to Nigeria; as well as Professors Agwale, Babalola, and Correa from Innovative Biotech, Chrisland University, and South Centre respectively.
Key topics for discussion will encompass the measurement of technology gaps in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical and vaccine sectors, policy frameworks for fostering private sector development, enhancing public-private collaboration, and evaluating existing intellectual property laws and policies. Additionally, deliberations will address patent assessment capacities, the implementation of Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) flexibilities, and strategies for capacity-building and collaborative growth opportunities.
The event aims to foster dialogue among stakeholders ranging from private sector entities to government ministries and national agencies. It will also facilitate capacity-building initiatives and explore avenues for peer review exchanges and collaboration enhancement.
This collaborative effort sets the groundwork for a comprehensive technology needs assessment program aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector. The APTF, in partnership with NIPRD and the Federal Ministry of Health, Government of Nigeria, will spearhead this endeavor, signaling a concerted push towards technological advancement and self-reliance in healthcare innovation.
