FG partners private firm on vaccines production
NAN-H-3
Vaccines
By Mustapha Sumaila
Abuja, June 14, 2017 (NAN) The Federal Government says it will soon commence production of local vaccines in the country in partnership with a private company, May and Baker.
This is contained in a statement issued by Mrs Boade Akinola, the Director, Media and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health.
She quoted the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, disclosing this while briefing the House Committee on Health on efforts to collaborate with private sector to produce vaccines locally.
Adewole said that the partnership between the government and private firm would revive the production of vaccines at Federal Vaccine Production Laboratory (FVPL) in Yaba, Lagos.
He explained that in 2015, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the government and May and Baker to resume production to meet up the needs of vaccines in the country.
According to him, the government will offer 49 per cent equity share while the company will be responsible for the remaining 51 per cent.
The minister said that in 2016, the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing valued FVPL at about N1.2 billion, which would serve as government’s equity contribution.
He added that the company was expected to source for funds for the full take-off of the business.
He emphasised that apart from the structure given, the federal government would not make any financial commitment.
Adewole expressed optimism that the partnership would ensure availability of essential vaccines required for various immunisation programmes.
According to him, the production of vaccines in the country is expected to commence by year 2021 when the current arrangement of sourcing for vaccines from UNICEF must have ended.
The minister also disclosed that plan was on the way to bring other companies on board in production of vaccines in Nigeria to ensure competitiveness.
He assured that appropriate measures would be out in place to ensuring high quality and safety of the locally produced vaccines. (NAN)
MS/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola