The National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) has successfully trained 50 young scientists as part of initiatives to enhance Nigeria's medicines security and to increase the availability of effective, quality antimalarial medications.
This capacity-building workshop was executed under the World Bank-funded IMPACT Project, in partnership with the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP). Its main focus included areas such as research and development (R&D;), regulations, quality assurance, and sustainable pharmaceutical development.
According to the organisers, this initiative draws lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored Nigeria's vulnerability due to its heavy reliance on imported medications and the fragilities within global supply chains.
During the workshop, Obi Adigwe, the Director-General of NIPRD, stated that medicine security should be prioritized as an integral aspect of national security. He was represented by Mboma Iheanyi, a director at the institute. Adigwe recounted the challenges faced during the pandemic, particularly how border closures and export limitations hindered access to essential drugs and vaccines.
He emphasized that the situation highlighted the urgent need for Nigeria to enhance its local pharmaceutical production capacity.
"Security goes beyond just combating insurgency; it extends to medicine security," he remarked, stressing the importance of self-sufficiency in healthcare needs during emergencies instead of relying solely on foreign supplies.
Adigwe also pointed out that training young scientists in responsible pharmaceutical practices could mitigate the spread of counterfeit and substandard medicines.
The two-day workshop is part of the Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) Project, where NIPRD is a key implementing partner.
Mercy Aboh, the technical assistant for Pharma and Industry to the Director- General and head of the IMPACT Project at NIPRD, noted the programme's goal is to bridge the gap between academic research and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
She explained that, despite advancements in science and technology, converting research findings into viable pharmaceutical products is a significant hurdle. Engagements with industry participants revealed deficiencies in developing complex formulations and dosage forms, often due to the limited practical exposure available for emerging professionals.
Aboh stated that the training program is designed to endow early-career scientists in pharmacy and related disciplines with critical skills necessary to support medicine security and ensure that locally produced pharmaceuticals adhere to international standards, including those set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
"We must educate emerging scientists in pharmacy and related sectors to lead efforts in safeguarding medicine security and guaranteeing that drugs manufactured in Nigeria meet global requirements," she asserted.
She also addressed other challenges such as inadequate storage conditions, logistical problems, extreme temperatures, and power outages that jeopardize drug efficacy in tropical regions. The training encompasses aspects of drug transportation, storage norms, and regulatory adherence to maintain the safety and effectiveness of medicines throughout their supply chain.
Nigeria continues to face the issue of counterfeit and substandard medications, which regulators regard as a pressing public health concern. Aboh insists that strengthening local capabilities and enhancing technical understanding among novice scientists will contribute to resolving this issue sustainably.
In practical terms, Uzuh Nwakaego, a member of the NIPRD research team advancing her education in public health, commented that the programme encourages young scientists to apply laboratory-based research into meaningful solutions for patients.
She described the initiative as a chance to promote scientific advancement from
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