EU, Nigeria Sign Deal to Boost Vaccine Production

By: Modupe Adeniyi. Freelance Health Reporter

EU, Nigeria sign deal to boost vaccine production. 

MONDAY APRIL 22, 2024. In a move to bolster Nigeria's pharmaceutical capabilities, the European Union (EU) and Nigeria have signed a collaborative agreement worth €18 million.

This partnership aims to strengthen research and development efforts, paving the way for the implementation of Nigeria's national plan for pharmaceutical industry advancement and local production of vaccines and medical technologies.

The agreement was jointly signed by the European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, and the Permanent Secretary of Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Education, Didi Walson-Jack, during the EU Global Gateway High-Level event on education held in Brussels on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

Emphasizing the EU's commitment to promoting educational and health equity, Modestu Chukwulaka, the EU Head of Communication, released a statement on Friday highlighting the significance of this partnership.

Commissioner Urpilainen underscored the importance of investing in education and healthcare systems, stating, "Economic growth hinges on a well-educated, skilled workforce and on robust healthcare systems. Therefore, investing in fortifying education and health systems globally is a pivotal aspect of the European Union's Global Gateway strategy. Our investments in quality education, research and training aim to empower future generations by equipping them with the knowledge, skills and competencies necessary to confront global challenges and foster prosperity."

The European funding, allocated under the Team Europe Initiative on manufacturing and access to vaccines, medicines and health technologies in Africa, will provide comprehensive support for enhancing various facets of Nigeria's pharmaceutical sector.

The support will be for:

1. Skills development through education and training.
2. Research and development, including advancements in artificial intelligence and nanotechnology.
3. Digitalization of essential ecosystem dimensions.
4. Establishment of a centralized system for forecasting, procurement and distribution of quality medical products. 
5. Trade, investment and customs facilitation.

With this partnership, Nigeria's pharmaceutical sector is poised to receive a significant boost, fostering local production capabilities, enhancing access to essential medical technologies and contributing to the overall growth and development of the nation's healthcare system.

Source: Punch Newspaper

Published: April 22, 2024

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