The National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) says it has emerged as a huge contributor to the national and global response to the coronavirus pandemic, with a niche focus on African Traditional Medicines.
Dr Obi Adigwe, Director-General of the NIPRD, told the News Agency of Nigeria in an interview Sunday that the agency provided the internationally acclaimed analysis that underpinned government’s categorical position on the Madagascar COVID-19 organics preparation.
“This analysis went viral internationally, with scientists and policymakers around the world referencing NIPRD’s seminal work on the product. With our work, multitude of lives on the continent were saved.
“The continent conserved millions of dollars that would otherwise have been expended on an unverified product, and research and development resources were prioritised to more effective solutions,” he said.
Adigwe said for the first time in Nigeria’s history, the agency constituted an interdisciplinary team of over 20 eminent and erudite Professors drawn from various universities to form the National Scientific Advisory Committee (NSAC) on the verification of claims by traditional medicine practitioners.
He noted he convened the NSAC and the landmark achievement ensured that coronavirus cure claims were subjected to the highest international science, in addition to ensuring that the highest relevant standards of safety and efficacy were maintained, in order to safeguard the lives of Nigerians.
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