As part of his contribution to eradicate malaria which claim hundreds of thousands of lives annually in Africa, the lawmaker representing Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Ned Nwoko, has invested over $20 million in malaria research and pharmaceutical manufacturing across the continent.
Speaking at the malaria vaccine workshop organized by the Prince Ned Nwoko Foundation, he emphasized the need for Nigeria to develop its own vaccine production capabilities rather than relying on foreign solutions.
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.
According to a statement by his media consultant, Michael Ogah, “Senator Ned Nwoko has personally invested over $20 million in malaria research and pharmaceutical manufacturing across Africa.”
While emphasizing on a locally produced malaria vaccine and a structured national approach to the eradication of the deadly disease, the lawmaker explained that the workshop was part of his long-standing commitment to malaria eradication.
Senator Nwoko, who also noted that individual efforts alone could achieve the goal of eliminating the disease, called for government action, private sector investment, and global partnerships.
“To institutionalize the fight against malaria, Senator Nwoko has introduced the Malaria Eradication Agency Bill (SB.172) in the Senate. The proposed agency will coordinate malaria research, vaccine production, and large-scale eradication programmes in Nigeria.
“To strengthen the strategic move for the actualization of the proposed bill, a public hearing on the bill is expected by June, and the senator has urged all stakeholders including government agencies, health organizations, and research institutions to support the passage of the bill.
“Malaria is not an unsolvable problem, if this were a Western disease, the global response would have been swift. The COVID-19 pandemic proved that when there is urgency, vaccines can be developed and deployed within months. We must take responsibility for solving our own health crises,” the statement stressed.
It further noted that malaria remains one of Africa’s deadliest diseases, particularly affecting children and pregnant women, adding that health experts believe that establishing a local vaccine production system would be a game-changer in Nigeria’s fight against the disease.
“The Senator’s initiative has been widely praised, with stakeholders urging the government to provide the necessary funding and policy backing.
“As the Malaria Eradication Agency Bill moves forward in the Senate, all eyes are now on lawmakers and decision-makers to take concrete steps toward ending malaria in Nigeria,” the statement added.