The Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH) Lafia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) on vaccine research and development.
The event, Chaired by Prof. Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, had in attendance Dr Hassan Ikrama, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of FUTH and Dr Obi Adigwe, Director General of the NIPRD.
ThemomentNG reports that NIPRD is a research institute that develops and promotes traditional medicine and pharmaceutical products.
It also ensures quality control and provides training and capacity building in the pharmaceutical research and development.
Speaking at the event, Pate said that the agreement formalises a strategic partnership aimed at boosting the growth of vaccine research and addressing its needs in Nasarawa State and beyond.
The minister noted that the collaboration would ensure research on vaccine development and production of medicine that would prevent the spread of lassa fever.
“NIPRD has the expertise as a centre of excellence, while FUTH, in addition to providing expertise across various fields, would also provide the study participants and laboratory services needed for research trials,” Pate said.
In his response, the director general of NIPRD, thanked the minister for witnessing the MOU signing and the CMD for showing deep commitment and resilience towards the success of the exercise.
On his part, the CMD of FUTH commended the Federal Government for its commitment to the health sector, especially in the area of vaccines and research innovation.
The CND promised that the hospital would continue to invest in research with a view towards addressing some of the dangerous diseases posing serious threats to human life.
