The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has called for greater partnership on medical research for the benefit of military personnel and civilians in Nigeria with the Walter Reed Army Institute.
Dr Ibrahim Kana, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, made the call in Abuja when he received the leadership of the institute on a courtesy visit.
This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by Mr Henshaw Ogubike, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry.
The permanent secretary noted that the current partnership between the institute and the Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme had strengthened the relationship between the two countries and their militaries.
“Your facility has been of tremendous help not only to the military but to the entire nation,” he said.
He also called for more partnership in research areas, not only in the treatment of diseases like malaria but also in its prevention.
“We need to work on research for vaccines to prevent malaria, which is one of the killer diseases affecting children under five.”
He noted that such partnership would be very beneficial, as the U.S. is excelling in research development.
In his remarks, the leader of the delegation, Col. Eli Lozano, assured the permanent secretary of the United States’ deeper commitment to continue supporting the existing relationship with Nigeria.
He expressed appreciation to the ministry for its support and commitment and noted the significant achievements resulting from the partnership, especially in the establishment of the Defence Reference Laboratory (DRL) in Abuja.