In line with NIMR’s collaborative efforts with corporate bodies and individuals on research activities, the DG, Prof. Oladapo Obafunwa recently presented a research report to Harvestfield Industries Ltd, a company that deals in the supply of agricultural spraying equipment used in crop production value chain and also provides Malaria Vector control products and services to Nigeria’s Roll Back Malaria Programme.

The report is on a research conducted by NIMR in collaboration with the company on “Stakeholders Perspectives on the Possible Local Manufacturing of Human Albumin and Immunoglobulin for Medical Treatment in Nigeria.”

Presenting the report at NIMR, Yaba, Lagos to Mr. Martins Awofisayo, MD, Harvestfield Industries Ltd, in the presence of the research team members comprising of the Principal Investigator, Mr. Adeniyi Adeneye and other Co-investigators, Dr. Adedapo Adeogun, Dr. David Oladele and Dr. Agatha Wapmuk, Prof. Obafunwa commended the company for its collaborative efforts.

He expressed NIMR’s readiness for further collaboration in future projects.

The study examined the regulatory framework that guides local industries in the manufacturing of medical products/devices and other pharmaceutical products with emphasis on laws and regulations related to the sale, procurement and or use of medical and other pharmaceutical products in medical institutions in Nigeria.

It is to help determine stakeholders’ perspectives on the possible local manufacturing of human serum albumin and immunoglobulin for medical treatment in the country.

The initiative to establish local production plant for these blood products is aimed at keying into the goal of the Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) which is a strategic government effort established by President Tinubu, as a cornerstone of the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at transforming the country’s healthcare system and placing the country on the global map of hubs for health products.

Mr. Awofisayo, in his remarks, said he has been a friend of NIMR for several years and lauded NIMR’s outstanding work and impact on medical research in the country over the years.

He expressed satisfaction with the work done and particularly commended NIMR for the timeliness of the project and preparation of the report.

He thanked the researchers and the leadership role played by the Director General and promised to expedite further works aimed at hastening the actualisation of the production of the medical preparations.