FG, Walter Reed Army Institute to Enhance Collaboration on Medical Research

Maryam Aminu

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Defence, has called for deeper collaboration with the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) in the United States to enhance medical research that benefits both military personnel and civilians in Nigeria.

This appeal was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, during a meeting with the leadership of WRAIR at the Ship House in Abuja.

Dr. Kana highlighted the importance of the existing partnership between the Walter Reed Institute and the Ministry’s 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 remarked.

He emphasized the need to expand collaboration beyond treating diseases like malaria to include preventive measures, particularly the development of a malaria vaccine.

“We need to work on vaccine research to prevent malaria, which is one of the leading causes of death among children under five,” he stated.

Dr. Kana expressed confidence in the potential for stronger partnerships in research, particularly in developing a malaria prevention vaccine.

“The Ministry will be happy to launch such a research program,” he added.

Brigadier General Nathan Okeji (Rtd), Director-General of the Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme, commended WRAIR’s support, which he described as excellent, particularly in controlling the spread of HIV and tuberculosis.

The leader of the WRAIR delegation, Air Commodore Cownell Eli Lozano, reassured the Permanent Secretary of the United States’ commitment to sustaining and deepening the existing relationship with Nigeria.

He also expressed gratitude to the Ministry for its support and highlighted the significant achievements of the partnership, especially the establishment of the Defence Reference Laboratory (DRL) in Abuja.