The African Pharmaceutical Technology Foundation (APTF) and the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) are working together in order to close technological gaps in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical and vaccine industries.
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 turned out that the first day of the high-level dialogue on March 18, 2024, was intended to identify and address contextual technology gaps that affect the pharmaceutical, vaccine, and related industries on a sector-wide basis. This was approved by Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.
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.
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.
