Meningitis: PSN urges local vaccines production

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has called for local production of vaccines in order to effectively tackle outbreaks like the recent one on meningitis.

President of PSN, Ahmed Yakasai made the call at the weekend during a ceremony organized by the Abuja branch of the society.

He decried the present situation where the country imports vaccines and waits for supplies from other countries and donors before responding to outbreaks or epidemics.

“We should encourage local production of vaccines. We should create enabling environment for people to produce locally because we have the capacity and capability to produce locally. Why should we rely on importation of vaccines or wait for other countries like India, Indonesia to quickly supply during epidemics?” he said.

The PSN president called for emergency epidemic preparedness, adding that all health workers should be encouraged to go for training in that area to effectively respond to any disease outbreak in the country.

While calling for public enlightenment on meningitis, he said PSN would soon launch its foundation to look after pharmacists’ welfare, provide medicines and respond during epidemics and natural disasters.

Outgoing chairman, PSN Abuja branch, Mrs Bridget Otote called on pharmacists to show more interest in the society by participating in activities and bringing in ideas.

Newly elected chairman, PSN Abuja branch, Jelili Kilani said the new exco would work hard to lift the quality of the profession and welfare of the members.