Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Senator representing Delta North senatorial district, Ned Nwoko has reiterated the need for a locally produced malaria vaccine and a structured national approach to eradicate the disease, which claims hundreds of thousands of lives annually in Africa.
Speaking at the Malaria Vaccine Workshop organized by the Prince Ned Nwoko Foundation, the senator emphasized the importance of Nigeria developing its own vaccine production capabilities. “Senator Nwoko has personally invested over $20 million in malaria research and pharmaceutical manufacturing across Africa,” said his media consultant, Michael Ogah.
The workshop, themed “Building & Strengthening Sustainable Malaria Vaccine Manufacturing Ecosystem in Nigeria,” brought together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss strategies for sustainable vaccine production.
Senator Nwoko stressed that individual efforts alone cannot eliminate the disease and called for government action, private sector investment, and global partnerships.
He has introduced the Malaria Eradication Agency Bill (SB.172) in the Senate, which proposes an agency to coordinate malaria research, vaccine production, and large-scale eradication programs in Nigeria.
The senator’s efforts are part of a broader push to combat malaria in Nigeria. As Senator Nwoko noted, “To institutionalise the fight against malaria… the proposed agency will coordinate malaria research, vaccine production, and large-scale eradication programmes in Nigeria.” His commitment to malaria eradication is crucial in the fight against this deadly disease.
