NIMR discovers new malaria vector in northern Nigeria

by Editor2
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Professor Babatunde Salako, Director General, Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) on Monday said it had discovered a new malaria vector called anopheles stephensi in northern Nigeria.

Salako who spoke with newsmen in Lagos during a birthday ceremony organised by his members of staff, said that it was the most recent research discovery.

He said that it was a rugged vector, very difficult to eradicate and had not been found anywhere near West Africa.

He said that this was a discovery by NIMR researchers and that had implication to malaria control in Nigeria.

Salako said that NIMR currently was looking at vaccines.

โ€œWe have done a lot of studies on vaccines and we are looking at vaccines development.

โ€œWe are working with five groups in a consortium to develop world local vaccines in Nigeria which was different from production,โ€ he said.

Salako said that the idea was to ensure that Nigerian researchers were able to take it from the beginning to the end in the development of vaccines.

He said that โ€œif tomorrow, we had a new epidemic or disease, known or unknown, it would be possible for Nigeria to develop its own vaccineโ€.

He said that NIMR was also looking at the effectiveness, side effects and responsiveness of human body to COVID-19 vaccines.

He said that the institute was looking at three COVID vaccines and 2,000 people in Nigeria would be tested to know whether the vaccines actually evoked a response among Nigerians.

Earlier, Samuel Amao, a Senior Researcher, said that the event was unprecedented.

Amao said that the institute was dealing with somebody that was a game changer, so competent that you donโ€™t need to voice it.

He said that Salako was a leader that did not just tell you how to do it but showed you how to do it.

He said that NIMR was a place where aspiring researchers were supposed to be.(NAN)

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