NaijaAgroNet
The
African Network for Drugs and Diagnostics Innovation (ANDI) – a pan African
initiative hosted by the United Nations in Addis Ababa recently highlighted
Nigerian example in containment of Ebola and emphasized the role of technology
in transforming health care delivery and Ebola research and development, NaijaAgroNet reports
Executive Director of ANDI, Dr.
Solomon Nwaka said that the meeting recommended that the Nigerian approach to
Ebola outbreak be written and publicized broadly, as a model for future
outbreaks or emergent infections.
The establishment of a properly
resourced Ebola emergency operation centre by the Nigerian government under the
Nigerian Center for Disease Control of the ministry of health as well as a
strong coordination of efforts with functional public and private diagnostic
laboratories, NaijaAgroNet gathered, was important to this success.
“Ongoing development of diagnostics
and surveillance tools for Ebola in Nigeria and Uganda as well as the
pioneering work of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) Abuja on the development of NIPRISAN from local traditional
medicines for the management of Sickle Cell Anaemia, were examples of technologies
discussed at the ANDI event, Nwaka stated.
According to information made
available to NaijaAgroNet, experts agreed that the containment of Ebola is one of the
most noted public health crackdowns in the largest African country and this
serves as a model for the rest of the world.
NaijaAgroNet further learnt that recognizing
Nigeria’s successful response to Ebola, according to the health professionals,
is an indication that with same commitments and adequate preparations, the
clamour for functional health and innovation system is attainable.
Cyriacus Nnaji/ GEE
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