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The National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development is partnering with the African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation to address technology gaps in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical and vaccine sectors.
A statement by the group said this was in line with the Presidential initiative to unlock the health sector value chain of the Federal Ministry of Health.
It revealed that further to approval by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the first day of the high-level dialogue on 18 March 2024, was targeted at identifying and addressing sector-wide contextual technology gaps in pharma, vaccines, and related industries.
It added that it would be followed by a technical session on 19 March 2024 to strengthen public health-oriented patent guidelines and intellectual property policies with the overall goal of achieving sustainable local manufacturing of medicines and vaccines in Nigeria.
It read, “The High-Level Dialogue and the Technical Session scheduled for 18th and 19th of March 2024 in Abuja is hosted by Minister of State, Dr Tunji Alausa with attendance confirmed for International Delegations from several countries including Rwanda and Cote D’Ivoire. Notable amongst confirmed delegates are the Chief Executive of the APTF, Professor Padmashree Gehl Sampath and Senior Special Adviser on Industrialisation at the African Development Bank Professor Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka. The Nigerian team will be led by the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NIPRD, Dr Obi Adigwe.
Other dignitaries and guest speakers expected to participate at the event include the Senate Committee Chair for Health, Senator Dr Ipalibo Banigo, the Ambassador of Bulgaria to Nigeria, Dr Yanko Yordanov, and Professors Agwale, Babalola and Correa of Innovative Biotech, Chrisland University and South Centre respectively.”
It stated that the meeting would discuss critical themes including the best ways to measure technology gaps in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical and vaccine sectors, policy options to address private sector development, strengthening public sector engagement, and the exploration of existing IP laws and policies; patent and related capacities for assessment of health technologies; and a review of the implementation of the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights flexibilities at the national level for Nigeria.
“The event will promote discussions and deliberations amongst key stakeholders in the process, from private sector companies to ministries, to key public sector institutes and national agencies also includes capacity-building activities for all stakeholders while exploring peer review country exchange initiatives and collaboration growth opportunities.
“This event will set the stage for a longer program on technology needs assessment to build Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector, for which the APTF will partner with NIPRD and the Federal Ministry of Health, Government of Nigeria.”
