Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Federal Government has taken a significant step towards achieving a self-sustaining healthcare system by partnering with pharmaceutical giant, GSK, to enhance local drug production in Nigeria.
This collaboration is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Presidential Initiative to unlock the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC).
According to Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, the partnership aims to transform Nigeria into a hub for high-quality health product manufacturing, reducing dependence on imported medical supplies.
The initiative aligns with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), focusing on building a robust healthcare system to meet the needs of Nigeria’s growing population.
GSK’s commitment to investing in Nigeria’s health sector through localised production marks a significant step toward achieving our health security objectives.
In Professor Pate’s statement, “The partnership aligns with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), a key component of building a robust healthcare system that meets the needs of Nigeria’s growing population.
“Through the PVAC framework, Nigeria aims to reduce reliance on imports, enhance economic resilience and boost job creation in the health sector.
“By fostering such collaborations, we are working to make high-quality healthcare accessible to all Nigerians, in alignment with the bold vision set forth by Mr President under PVAC.”
GSK’s commitment to localized production marks a significant step towards achieving health security objectives. The partnership will not only meet Nigeria’s internal needs but also position the country as a leader in the African healthcare industry.
Local production will enable Nigeria to tap into regional markets, potentially serving as a supplier of essential medications across Africa.
The PVAC framework aims to reduce reliance on imports, enhance economic resilience, and boost job creation in the health sector. By fostering collaborations like this, the government is working to make high-quality healthcare accessible to all Nigerians.
GSK specializes in vaccines, specialties, and general medicines, focusing on infectious diseases, HIV, respiratory/immunology, and oncology.
Their Ahead Together strategy emphasizes early intervention to prevent and alter the course of disease, protecting individuals and supporting healthcare systems.
This partnership is a promising development in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, and with GSK’s expertise and commitment, the country is poised to become a major player in the African healthcare industry.
