Urgent Call for Priority on Health Security and Local Drug Production in Nigeria

The Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, a leading professional body in the pharmaceutical sector, has urged the Nigerian government to prioritize health security and local drug production. According to a report by THISDAYLIVE, the call comes as a response to the ongoing global health challenges and the nation’s reliance on imported pharmaceuticals. The Academy emphasized the need for increased investment in pharmaceutical research, local medicine production, and technological innovation to reduce vulnerabilities in the health sector. The body further stated that such investments would not only boost local production but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth. The Academy’s call echoes similar sentiments from various quarters, including the National Assembly, which has recently called for a review of Nigeria’s drug policy to promote local production and reduce dependence on imported pharmaceuticals. The need for local drug production is particularly significant given the current global supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the Nigerian government has made some efforts in this regard, there is still a long way to go to achieve self-sufficiency in pharmaceutical production. The urgent call by the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy serves as a reminder of the need for the government to prioritize health security and local drug production for the sake of the nation’s health and economic wellbeing.