Challenges Facing Nigeria in Becoming a Leading Medicine Manufacturing Hub
Pharmacists in Nigeria indicate that low investment in domestic drug manufacturing persists due to its high costs compared to importing. Ayuba Ibrahim notes that inadequate infrastructure severely hampers local production capabilities. The need for government action is highlighted to create a supportive environment for pharmaceutical manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports, especially for vital medicines and vaccines against malaria.
Pharmacists in Nigeria have pointed to insufficient investment and interest in drug and vaccine manufacturing, citing a tendency for investors to favor importing due to its greater profitability. Ayuba Ibrahim, the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, affirmed that establishing a local drug manufacturing plant entails immense financial resources, primarily due to the nation’s inadequate infrastructure.
During a malaria workshop hosted by the Ned Nwoko Foundation, Ibrahim elaborated on the operational challenges faced by local manufacturers. He indicated that inadequate facilities, such as unstable electricity and insufficient water supply, compel manufacturers to rely heavily on self-generated resources, raising their production costs compared to imported drugs. Consequently, this situation diminishes the competitiveness of locally produced medication.
Ibrahim urged the Nigerian Government to create an environment conducive to drug manufacturing, calling for the declaration of an emergency in the pharmaceutical sector. He emphasized the need for policies that alleviate financial burdens on local manufacturers to enable Nigeria to produce essential medicines and vaccines, especially for malaria, which is a significant health threat.
Muhammad Pate, the coordinating minister of Health and Social Welfare, highlighted the importance of vaccines in combating malaria as part of the government’s initiative to eliminate the disease. He reinforced that Nigeria, accounting for a substantial percentage of global malaria cases and deaths, urgently requires local vaccine production.
The Minister pledged that the Federal Ministry of Health would seek partnerships with the Ned Nwoko Foundation to build a sustainable local malaria vaccine production framework. He recognized the Foundation’s efforts in diminishing childhood mortality in Nigeria, advocating for a collaborative approach.
Ned Nwoko, the foundation’s founder and Senator for Delta North, characterized malaria as a primary health crisis in Africa, lamenting insufficient responses to this ongoing challenge. He noted his legislative efforts to establish an agency focused on enhancing malaria research, vaccine production, and treatment, while stressing the need for better funding to combat the disease effectively.
The article underscores Nigeria’s challenges in establishing a robust pharmaceuticals manufacturing sector. It emphasizes the need for government intervention to facilitate local drug production, reduce reliance on imports, and combat public health issues such as malaria. Stakeholders highlight the necessity of infrastructure improvements and financial support to foster a viable manufacturing environment essential for producing critical medicines and vaccines.
Original Source: businessday.ng
