- Chinese Scientists Visit NIMR, Seek Partnership on Vaccines, Disease Research
- Gao said the trip is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen scientific collaboration between China and African institutions
- Obafunwa welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the institute’s readiness to partner with global organisations
A high-level Chinese scientific delegation led by renowned virologist George Gao has visited the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research in Lagos to explore partnerships in infectious disease research, vaccine development, and capacity building.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the delegation, which includes experts from the China CDC, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Peking University, and Shanghai Junshi Biosciences, held extensive discussions with NIMR researchers during the visit.
EDITOR’S PICK
- FG Pushes Investment-Driven Growth at IsDB Event in Lagos
- Police Arrest Suspect Over Deadly Robbery Incident in Kaduna
- LAWMA Boosts Workers’ Safety with PPE Training Programme
Speaking at the meeting, Gao said the trip is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen scientific collaboration between China and African institutions, especially in tackling shared public health challenges.
“We are here looking for future collaborations in Nigeria,” he said, noting his long-standing engagement with Africa’s health sector.
He stressed that global health threats such as emerging and re-emerging diseases require strong cross-border cooperation.
The visit also created a platform for both institutions to explore collaboration in key areas such as vaccine research and development, genomic sequencing, clinical trials, technology transfer and training, as well as rapid response to emerging infectious diseases.
One of the highlights of the visit was a presentation on next-generation vaccine development by Han Wang, who focused on efforts to improve vaccines for Mpox.
According to her, existing vaccines face challenges such as high cost, limited effectiveness, and safety concerns, making them less accessible in regions like Africa.
She noted that some existing vaccines cost over $60 per dose, making them difficult to access in many African countries where the need is highest.
She revealed that her team is working on a more affordable and effective vaccine using a new “chimeric immunogen” approach, which early findings suggest could deliver stronger immune responses.
On his part, NIMR Director-General, John Oladapo Obafunwa, welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the institute’s readiness to partner with global organisations.
He emphasised the need for collaborations that go beyond research to include technology transfer, local production of vaccines, and capacity building for Nigerian scientists.
“We have the foundation, but with the right partnerships, we can move from potential to real impact,” he said.
Obafunwa also pointed out that while NIMR has made progress in areas like Genomics and molecular biology, Nigeria still relies heavily on foreign laboratories for advanced research such as full human genome sequencing.
He called for support in training and access to modern technologies to reduce that dependence.
Despite the progress, he highlighted ongoing challenges, including funding constraints and the lack of a fully centralised research facility.
The meeting ended with both sides expressing optimism about turning the discussions into practical projects, marking another step forward in Nigeria–China cooperation in medical research.
FURTHER READING
- Nigeria Lost Five Years to ASUU Strikes Before Tinubu – FG
- Tinubu Launches Welfare Fund for Injured Soldiers, Fallen Heroes’ Families
- Lagos Set for Luxury Boom with Eko Miami Concept
Click here to watch video of the week
