Nigeria's Health Minister Advocates Local Drug Production

Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the coordinating minister of Health and Social Welfare, stated that enhancing Nigeria's capacity to manufacture essential health products locally is crucial for the nation's health security. He made this declaration at the launch of commercial production of insecticide-treated nets by Harvestfield Healthcare FZE at its facility in Ogun State.

Pate noted that establishing a Nigerian-based facility for these nets aligns with the federal government's Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at fostering domestic manufacturing capabilities. He highlighted that the facility produces next-generation insecticide-treated nets to international standards and supplies programs across 31 states.

Dr. Abdul Mukhtar, from the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), added that the initiative aims to transition Nigeria from importing healthcare products to domestic production. He emphasized the importance of meeting international standards and supplying at a national scale to strengthen the healthcare value chain and reduce reliance on imports.