India donates medicines to Nigeria, seeks collaboration to produce Covid-19 vaccines.
India has donated 587 cartons of essential medicines needed to combat the Covid-19 pandemic to Nigeria and has also sought to collaborate with Nigeria to produce Covid-19 vaccines.
This was presented by the High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, H. E Shri Abhay, in fulfillment of the commitment made in the conversation between H.E, Dr. S. Jaisankar, and the Minister for External Affairs of India and his Nigerian Counterpart, H.E. Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, the Minister of Foreign Affairs on April 24, 2020.
The Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Ehanire, described the donation of the items, which include hydroxychloroquine and antibiotics, as “gracious and touching”.
Ehanire stated that despite the effects of the global plague, India, regardless of its own problems, donated medical items to Nigeria and other countries.
Ehanire also revealed that “Nigeria and India share information management protocols and tactical advice and long interactions between our countries” which he said, “is almost legendary.”
He said, “Relationship between the two countries spanned Defense, Science, Research and very many other spheres and Education, particularly.”
He also said, “Perhaps the most poignant of the relationship” between India and Nigeria is “pharmaceutical.” He said India is a hub of pharmaceutical industry and all countries look forward to India in that respect.”
He added that “We look forward to collaborating with you as we thank you for the donated products because of our position in Africa as the most populous country, a distinction that we share with you in Asia.
“Also, Nigeria is a hub with other West Africa Countries; the market here is huge and opportunities for collaboration are endless. We have mentioned your distinction in the production of APIs which to us here in Nigeria is extremely important.”
The Minister further revealed an area of interest which needs to be stressed is the vaccine production, noting that Nigeria “is an aspiring vaccine production country”.
He further stated that Nigeria has gone into a partnership with a private company to produce vaccine for the use of our citizens.
He therefore consented to collaborate with India for the production of vaccine for the use of Nigerians.
The list of the donated medicines from India to Nigeria include: Azithromycin 250 MG Tab; Hydroxychloroquine 200 MG Tab; Hydroxychloroquine 250 MG Tab; Cefotaxime Sodium 1000 MG Inj; Metronidazole5 MG/ML 100 MLIV; Ceftiaxone1 MG Injection; Ceftiaxone1 500MG Injection; Chloroquine 250 MG Tab; Levocetrizine5 MG; Ibuprofeen 400 MG Tab; Paracetamol 500 MG Tab; and Montelukast10MG Tab all packaged in 589 Cartons.
