The Director General of Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, NIMR, Prof John Obafunwa says the institute will focus on addressing the issue of vaccine hesitancy and claims of deadly compounds in vaccines being administered on Nigerians.
Prof Obafunwa who was speaking at a forum in Lagos also called for increased local funding of research as the current ninety five percent dependency on foreign donors is inimical to local research development and public health.
The cervical Cancer Vaccine intervention by the Federal Government and several others have received a lot of condemnation from different quarters in recent time over claims of presence of heavy metals and other dangerous items.
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This is the issue the Director General of Nigeria Institute Of Medical Research promised to address at the 2024 annual retreat.
While appreciating the support of foreign partners over the years, Professor Obafunwa called for strengthening of local funding to allow room for local solution for emerging diseases
Poor power Supply frustrating research activities was also an issue of concern as well as the need to address the push factor for brain drain.
(Editor: Okechukwu Eze)