By Julius Oweh
ABUJA/Nigeria: Senator Ned Nwoko has reaffirmed his commitment to eradicating malaria in Africa, spearheading efforts to develop a homegrown vaccine and pushing for legislative action to combat the deadly disease.
Through his verified X handle, Nwoko disclosed that his foundation recently hosted a high-level malaria vaccine workshop in Abuja, themed “Building and Strengthening Sustainable Malaria Manufacturing Ecosystem in Nigeria.” The event brought together researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to advance local vaccine production.
“For years, I have invested heavily in this cause, personally donating over $20 million to various universities across Africa for malaria vaccine research and pharmaceutical manufacturing. But true and lasting change requires collective action,” Nwoko stated, emphasizing the need for government support, private sector investment, and global collaboration.
He also revealed that he has sponsored the Malaria Eradication Agency Bill (SB.172) in the Senate, aimed at establishing a dedicated agency to drive research, vaccine production, funding, and large-scale eradication programs. A public hearing on the bill is set for June 2025.
Calling for urgency, Nwoko lamented the slow global response to malaria compared to diseases affecting the West. “If malaria were a Western disease, we all know the response would have been swifter, just as we saw with COVID-19,” he tweeted, urging Africa to take ownership of the fight.
