The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, has called for an enhanced partnership between Nigeria and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) in the United States, particularly in medical research.
Dr. Kana emphasized that this collaboration would benefit both military personnel and civilians in Nigeria, particularly in combating diseases like malaria.
Dr. Kana made the remarks while receiving the leadership of the WRAIR at the Ministry of Defence headquarters, Ship House, Abuja.
He acknowledged the ongoing collaboration between the WRAIR and the Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme, noting that it has significantly strengthened the relationship between the two nations and their military forces.
“Your facility has been of tremendous help not only to the military but to the entire nation,” Dr. Kana stated, reflecting on the positive impact that the WRAIR’s support has had on Nigeria’s health sector.
The Permanent Secretary further called for expanded collaboration in research, particularly in the prevention and treatment of diseases.
He highlighted the need for a joint effort in developing a malaria prevention vaccine, given that malaria remains one of the leading causes of death among children under five in Nigeria.
“We need to work on research for a vaccine to prevent malaria, which is one of the deadliest diseases affecting children under the age of five,” Dr. Kana emphasized.
He expressed optimism that the U.S., with its strong track record in research and development, could play a crucial role in this endeavour.
“I believe our stronger partnership in the area of research will help a lot, and we can work actively in the aspect of malaria prevention vaccine. The Ministry will be happy to launch such a research program,” he added.
Dr Kana’s remarks were supported by Brigadier General Nathan Okeji (Rtd), the Director-General of the Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme.
Brig. Gen. Okeji praised the ongoing support provided by the WRAIR, particularly in controlling the spread of HIV and tuberculosis in Nigeria.
He described the collaboration as “excellent” and noted that it has improved health outcomes for both military personnel and the general population.
The leader of the WRAIR delegation, Colonel Cornell Eli Lozano, responded to the Permanent Secretary’s call for deeper collaboration by reaffirming the United States’ commitment to supporting the existing partnership with Nigeria.
Col. Lozano expressed his appreciation for the Ministry’s support and highlighted the significant achievements that have resulted from their collaboration, particularly the establishment of the Defence Reference Laboratory (DRL) in Abuja.
The DRL has been a key outcome of the partnership, providing vital support in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, as well as serving as a hub for ongoing research initiatives.
Col. Lozano emphasized that the WRAIR is eager to continue building on these successes, with a focus on addressing critical health challenges such as malaria and other infectious diseases that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations in Nigeria.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to advancing medical research and improving health outcomes in Nigeria through continued collaboration between the Ministry of Defence and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.
Both parties agreed that enhancing their partnership would not only benefit the military but also contribute to the broader goal of improving public health in Nigeria.
