NNMDA’s Plan to Revamp Nigeria’s Health Sector.

“We are focusing on identifying medicinal plants that are specific to certain regions, developing targeted products for the diseases that are prevalent in those areas,” he explained, underscoring how the agency’s approach is tailored to address local health needs. This strategy, he added, is designed to empower communities, reduce their dependency on foreign medical aid, and foster sustainable healthcare solutions. The solutions to our health problems are already here; we just need to tap into them,” he emphasised, reiterating the potential of indigenous knowledge and resources in addressing Nigeria’s health challenges.

As part of its 2025 agenda, NNMDA is also focusing on tackling livestock diseases, with international collaborations already underway with research institutions in the Netherlands and India to develop herbal treatments. Furthermore, the agency is prioritising the development of antidotes for snakebites, a particularly serious health issue in regions like Katungu in Gombe State, where venomous snakes pose a frequent danger. “Snakebites are a major health threat. With the right funding and resources, we are prepared to create effective treatments and deploy them quickly,” he assured.

Reflecting on the agency’s achievements in 2024, Emeje praised NNMDA’s innovative use of nanotechnology in creating indigenous herbal products for cholera treatment. “Our approach is rooted in research, science, technology, and innovation. We treat every disease as an urgent challenge, requiring a thoughtful, immediate response,” he concluded, affirming the agency’s commitment to leveraging modern scientific tools to enhance traditional healing practices and improve healthcare outcomes for Nigeria and beyond.

New herbal products launched with plans to commercialise for broader impact

The agency has recently unveiled a new line of indigenous herbal products aimed at addressing critical public health challenges in Nigeria. These products, which combine centuries-old traditional knowledge with modern scientific research, are designed to tackle pressing issues such as cholera, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and other common health concerns in local communities. In a media briefing held in Lagos, Prof. Emeje emphasised that the launch marks a significant milestone in the agency’s ongoing efforts to establish indigenous medicine as a viable, effective alternative to conventional treatments. “This initiative is a reflection of our dedication to using Nigeria’s rich natural resources to develop healthcare solutions that are both accessible and sustainable,” he stated.

Among the most notable products in the newly launched range is an herbal remedy specifically formulated to combat cholera, a disease that continues to be a major health challenge in Nigeria. The cholera treatment was developed using indigenous plants known for their antibacterial and anti-diarrheal properties. NNMDA has worked closely with traditional healers and modern scientists to ensure that the product meets high standards of efficacy and safety. “We are not simply reviving traditional remedies; we are enhancing them through rigorous research, testing, and innovation. This cholera medicine has already shown promising results in clinical trials, and we are confident it will play a key role in curbing cholera outbreaks in Nigeria and beyond,” Emeje explained.

In addition to the cholera remedy, NNMDA has developed herbal products aimed at addressing the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These products utilise medicinal plants with potent antimicrobial properties that have been used by local communities for generations. By focusing on natural alternatives to overused antibiotics, NNMDA hopes to mitigate the global crisis of antibiotic resistance, particularly in rural and underserved areas where healthcare access can be limited. “AMR is a global health threat, and we are proud to contribute to the solution. Our products provide a natural alternative to conventional antibiotics and help reduce the overuse of synthetic medicines, which is one of the main drivers of resistance,” Prof. Emeje stated.

The launch of these herbal products is not just a healthcare initiative; it is also a vital part of NNMDA’s broader strategy to empower local communities. By sourcing raw materials from local farmers and collaborating with traditional healers, the agency is promoting economic development in rural areas. The commercialisation of these products, Emeje noted, will create jobs, stimulate local economies, and foster sustainable agricultural practices. “We’re not only addressing health challenges, but also providing a new economic pathway for farmers, herbalists, and local entrepreneurs. This is a holistic approach to public health, where the benefits extend to the entire community,” he said.

As part of its long-term strategy, NNMDA is also focused on the commercialisation of these herbal products. Prof. Emeje revealed that the agency plans to partner with both local and international companies to scale up production, distribution, and marketing. The goal is to make these products widely available across Nigeria and other African countries, ensuring that indigenous remedies become a mainstay in the healthcare sector. “We are in the process of finalising partnerships with both local distributors and international pharmaceutical companies. By commercialising these products, we aim to ensure that they are accessible to all Nigerians, particularly in remote areas where conventional healthcare services are scarce. With the right investments and collaborations, these products can reach a global market, helping to establish Nigeria as a leader in traditional medicine,” Emeje explained.

The newly launched herbal products also address other significant health issues in Nigeria, such as snakebites and livestock diseases. In areas like Gombe State, where venomous snakebites are a common concern, the agency has developed a herbal antidote that could save lives by providing a local solution to this public health threat. Additionally, NNMDA is collaborating with international partners in the Netherlands and India to develop herbal treatments for diseases that affect livestock, a critical concern for Nigeria’s agricultural economy. “Snakebites are a major health threat in certain regions, and we are fully committed to creating affordable, effective treatments for our people. With the right investment and support, we are ready to scale these treatments rapidly,” Emeje said.

He also outlined the agency’s ongoing efforts to facilitate the mass production of indigenous medicines, particularly for critical diseases like cholera and sickle cell anemia. The DG revealed that NNMDA is actively engaging with key stakeholders and regulatory bodies to expedite the process of bringing promising natural remedies to the mainstream healthcare system. The agency is currently in advanced stages of preparation, awaiting approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to move forward with clinical studies and trials for these medicines, paving the way for their mass production. “While we are waiting for regulatory approvals, we have already made significant strides in preparing for the next phases of research and production. We are working tirelessly to ensure that these products are ready to meet the needs of Nigerians, and we will soon unveil new products in 2025,” Prof. Emeje said.

The director-general also highlighted the growing recognition of NNMDA’s work on the international stage. “Our efforts to integrate natural medicine into mainstream healthcare are increasingly being acknowledged globally. We are receiving support and recognition from international health organisations, which reinforces the significance of our work,” Emeje stated. As part of its broader strategy to expand the development of natural medicines, NNMDA recently secured a four-year grant from the Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR). This grant will help fund further research and development of indigenous medicines, strengthening the agency’s capacity to develop and commercialise new treatments. Additionally, NNMDA is collaborating with 16 professors of medicine from Nigeria’s top universities, who are contributing their expertise to enhance the agency’s research initiatives. This collaboration is expected to bolster Nigeria’s capacity to develop world-class natural medicine solutions.

He also outlined the agency’s ongoing efforts to facilitate the mass production of indigenous medicines, particularly for critical diseases like cholera and sickle cell anemia. The DG revealed that NNMDA is actively engaging with key stakeholders and regulatory bodies to expedite the process of bringing promising natural remedies to the mainstream healthcare system. The agency is currently in advanced stages of preparation, awaiting approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to move forward with clinical studies and trials for these medicines, paving the way for their mass production. “While we are waiting for regulatory approvals, we have already made significant strides in preparing for the next phases of research and production. We are working tirelessly to ensure that these products are ready to meet the needs of Nigerians, and we will soon unveil new products in 2025,” Prof. Emeje said.

The director-general also highlighted the growing recognition of NNMDA’s work on the international stage. “Our efforts to integrate natural medicine into mainstream healthcare are increasingly being acknowledged globally. We are receiving support and recognition from international health organisations, which reinforces the significance of our work,” Emeje stated. As part of its broader strategy to expand the development of natural medicines, NNMDA recently secured a four-year grant from the Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR). This grant will help fund further research and development of indigenous medicines, strengthening the agency’s capacity to develop and commercialise new treatments. Additionally, NNMDA is collaborating with 16 professors of medicine from Nigeria’s top universities, who are contributing their expertise to enhance the agency’s research initiatives. This collaboration is expected to bolster Nigeria’s capacity to develop world-class natural medicine solutions.

NNMDA’s capacity-building efforts include training local researchers, expanding research infrastructure, and fostering stronger collaboration with Nigeria’s universities and research institutions. These initiatives are crucial for ensuring that the agency can continue to develop innovative healthcare solutions using indigenous knowledge. Looking to the future, Emeje is optimistic about the role that indigenous medicine will play in Nigeria’s healthcare system. “We are on the verge of a transformative shift in healthcare. Natural medicine is not just an alternative; it is a key part of the solution to many of Nigeria’s health challenges. With the right support, we can make indigenous medicines a mainstream part of our healthcare delivery,” he said.

By Adekunle Yusuf

https://thenationonlineng.net/how-we-plan-to-revamp-nigerias-health-sector-by-nnmda/