By Gom Mirian
In a bid to coordinate efforts aimed at eradicating smallpox in Nigeria, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have resolved to collaborate on issues related to registration and approval of vaccines for the disease.
This was disclosed when the NCDC director General, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, paid a working visit to his NAFDAC counterpart, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye in Abuja.
This collaboration aims to ensure that vaccines approved by NAFDAC are effective and safe for use in the country. The NCDC said it will work in partnership with the agency to develop a comprehensive framework for vaccine distribution and administration nationwide.
Speaking on the collaboration, Prof. Adeyeye re-affirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to ensuring that only safe and genuine vaccines are approved for use in the country.
According to her: “NAFDAC will continue to work closely with the NCDC and other stakeholders to ensure that vaccines approved for use in Nigeria are of the highest quality and efficacy.”
In his remarks, Dr Adetifa acknowledged the critical role NAFDAC plays in ensuring public health and safety in Nigeria, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He added, “We are here today to work with NAFDAC on issues about vaccine registration for the smallpox diseases.”
The collaboration between NCDC and NAFDAC is a significant step towards ensuring that Nigeria maintains its status as a country that is free from smallpox disease. It also underscores the importance of effective inter-agency collaborations in the ongoing fight against other health challenges facing the country.
