Nigeria Spends N8 Billion Annually on Vaccine Imports: Calls for Local Production and Strengthened Laboratory Systems

The Nigerian government spends N8 billion annually importing vaccines from countries such as the United States and Europe, according to Dr. Godswill Okara, General Secretary and Registrar of the West Africa Post Graduate College of Medical Laboratory Science (WAPCMLS). He made this statement during the induction and oath-taking ceremony for the 2023–2024 Medical Laboratory Science graduates at Edo State University, Uzairue, in the Etsako West Local Government Area.

Dr. Okara disclosed that vaccines are imported from countries including Belgium, India, the United States, France, Indonesia, Russia, Singapore, Denmark, South Korea, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates. He urged the federal government to invest in strengthening laboratory systems by establishing a National Medical Laboratory Service Policy. This policy would serve as a strategic framework to address the health service challenges across the country.

"To strengthen healthcare services in Nigeria, the Federal Government must unveil the National Medical Laboratory Service Policy to address the challenges confronting health services across the federation," he stated. He called for the development of a national laboratory strategy as part of the national health development plan to guide the execution of a national strategic laboratory agenda.

The guest speaker, Dr. Okara, emphasized the critical role of medical laboratory scientists in combating diseases and safeguarding human health. Speaking on the theme "Expanding Horizons: The Evolving Role of Medical Laboratory Scientists in Global Health and Innovation Post-COVID-19," he noted the significant contributions of medical laboratory professionals to accurate disease diagnosis, patient management, disease prevention, surveillance, and control.

He stated, "The medical laboratory scientist is at the heart of accurate diagnosis of diseases, monitoring of treatment and management of patients, prevention, surveillance, and control of diseases locally and globally. Education and training hold the key to resolving the myriad of health problems facing Africa and the world."

Dr. Okara highlighted that, following the COVID-19 pandemic, laboratory experts worldwide have accelerated research and innovation, leading to new diagnoses, vaccines, and treatments. He emphasized the importance of laboratory systems for national and global health preparedness, advocating for increased investment in these areas.

The event also featured remarks from Prof. Dawood Egbefo, the university's acting vice-chancellor, who advised the graduates to conduct diagnostic tests professionally, ensure accuracy through quality control, and uphold the standards of the profession. Additionally, Prof. Tosan Erhabor, Registrar/CEO of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), represented by Dr. Chris Mbata, administered the oath to the inductees and reminded them of the ethical standards that all laboratory scientists in Nigeria must adhere to.