By Harriet Tornguvan
Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, has advocated for an enhanced collaboration between Nigeria and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) in the United States.
He emphasized the importance of partnership in advancing medical research that would benefit both military personnel and civilians in Nigeria.
In the meeting with the leadership of WRAIR at the Ship House in Abuja, Dr. Kana highlighted the positive impact of the existing partnership between the Walter Reed Institute of Research and the Ministry of Defence's Health Implementation Programme.
Dr. Kana noted that the collaboration has strengthened ties between the two nations and their respective military forces.
"Your facility has been a tremendous asset not only to the military but to the entire nation.
Dr. Kana also urged for further collaboration in research, particularly in the areas of disease prevention and treatment, with a focus on malaria.
He stressed the need for joint efforts in developing a vaccine to prevent malaria, which remains a leading cause of death among children under five.
"We need to work on vaccine research to prevent malaria, which is one of the deadliest diseases affecting young children.
The Secretary expressed confidence in the U.S.'capabilities in research and development, noting that a stronger partnership would significantly advance efforts to prevent malaria saying,
"The Ministry would be eager to launch such a research initiative.
Brigadier General Nathan Okeji (Rtd), Director-General of the Ministry of Defence's Health Implementation Programme, praised the support provided by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, acknowledging its role in controlling the spread of HIV and tuberculosis.
The Air Commodore Cownell Eli Lozano, who led the WRAIR delegation, reaffirmed the United States' commitment to strengthening the existing relationship with Nigeria.
He also expressed gratitude to the Ministry for its support and highlighted the significant achievements of their partnership, particularly in the establishment of the Defence Reference Laboratory (DRL) in Abuja.
