NNMDA to Tackle Medicines Insecurity with Technologically Designed Indigenous Drugs

0
201
Director General of the Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), Professor Martins Emeje

To combat the persistent inaccessibility and rising cost of essential medicines in Nigeria—which reports indicate have surged by over 50 per cent between 2020 and 2023—the Director General of the Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), Professor Martins Emeje, has unveiled the agency’s strategic plans to leverage nanotechnology in developing and standardising traditional medicines. This innovation aims to make these medicines comparable to conventional drugs, ultimately improving accessibility and affordability for most Nigerians.

Speaking at the agency’s 2024 End-of-Year Media Parley, Prof. Emeje emphasised that standardising traditional medicines will help break barriers to healthcare access. He noted that by applying advanced technology to indigenous medicine production, the agency is positioning Nigeria towards medicine security and independence.

Addressing criticism from some medical practitioners regarding the lack of standardised dosages in traditional medicine, the NNMDA DG dismissed these concerns as deliberately misleading. He argued that any healthcare professional holding such views is unwilling to embrace the scientific study of natural medicine, which is as legitimate as any other academic discipline. He encouraged sceptics to engage with the NNMDA, which recently gained accreditation for training and certifying traditional medicine practitioners in Nigeria.

See also
From Pandemic to Pandemonium: COVID-19 Ravages the World

Highlighting the urgency of achieving medicine security, Emeje declared, “Nigeria is under siege, and the only path to freedom is through securing our medicine supply. We are fully committed to this mission by standardizing traditional medicines with nanotechnology.” He revealed that the agency is actively forming partnerships with international organisations and professionals to accelerate this process.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises the role of traditional medicine in Africa and advocates for its integration into national healthcare systems. A study published in Science Direct also confirmed that many people in developing countries rely on traditional medicine due to its affordability, accessibility, and cultural relevance. This trend is even gaining acceptance in some developed nations.

See also
6 Low-Sugar Fruits Good for Diabetic Patients

Emeje expressed his unwavering commitment to elevating the standard of natural medicines in Nigeria, describing them as vital for the entire population. Despite opposition to the use of indigenous medicines, he vowed to ensure their widespread availability for all Nigerians.

“Any country that depends entirely on imports is vulnerable,” he stressed. “No matter how educated or wealthy you are, you are still a slave if your basic needs, like medicine, come from outside. The absence of medicine security means that if any entity decides to harm Nigeria, they could easily do so by disguising biological weapons as drugs.”

Emeje revealed that the NNMDA had received approval from the Minister of Health and the President through the proposed 2025 budget. Once the National Assembly finalises the budget, the agency will secure funding to advance its nanomedicine development initiatives.

See also
Nigeria Records 389 New Cases of COVID-19, 342 Deaths, Total 12233

“In 2025, we will strengthen our research and development models, which are uniquely designed for Nigeria. We plan to establish a biological plant and a pharmaceutical-grade excipient plant right here at Kofo Abayomi,” he disclosed.

Countering the belief that traditional medicine lacks proper dosage, the NNMDA chief criticised certain medical professionals for their unwillingness to learn about natural medicine.

“I question whether these critics are genuinely ignorant or deliberately mischievous. If it’s genuine ignorance, it’s forgivable. But deliberate sabotage is unacceptable. Anyone intentionally working against the progress of this country is as harmful as any extremist. You may not carry weapons, but your mindset can be just as destructive.

“Some of us are blinded by pride, thinking that someone speaking Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, or Igala can’t teach us anything because of our academic degrees. Education isn’t about degrees—it’s about knowledge. What you don’t know, you must learn,” he asserted.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here