The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, USA, are set to strengthen their collaboration in the area of medical research.
This development was discussed during a meeting between Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, and a delegation from the Walter Reed Army Institute at Ship House, Abuja.
Dr. Kana highlighted the significance of the ongoing partnership between the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and the Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme.
He emphasized that the collaboration has not only bolstered the relationship between Nigeria and the United States but has also greatly benefited both nations’ military personnel and civilians.
“Your facility has been of tremendous help, not only to the military but to the entire nation,” Dr. Kana stated. He further called for expanded cooperation in research, particularly in the prevention and treatment of diseases like malaria. “
We need to work on research for a malaria vaccine, which is crucial as malaria remains one of the leading causes of death among children under the age of five,” he added.
Dr. Kana expressed confidence that deeper collaboration with the U.S., known for its research excellence, would lead to significant advancements in this area. “The Ministry would be eager to launch such a research program,” he concluded.
Brigadier General Nathan Okeji (Rtd), Director-General of the Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme, also commended the Walter Reed Army Institute for its support, noting its role in controlling the spread of HIV and tuberculosis in Nigeria.
Air Commodore Cownell Eli Lozano, leader of the Walter Reed delegation, reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to the partnership. He expressed gratitude for the Ministry’s support and highlighted the successes achieved, particularly the establishment of the Defence Reference Laboratory (DRL) in Abuja.
The meeting underscores the ongoing efforts to enhance medical research collaboration between Nigeria and the United States, with a focus on addressing critical health challenges.
LV.