*The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research says the new malaria vector called ‘anopheles stephensi’ is a rugged vector, very difficult to eradicate, and had not been found anywhere near West Africa

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has disclosed it discovered a new malaria vector called anopheles stephensi in Northern Nigeria.

绿帽献妻 reports Prof. Babatunde Salako, Director-General of the Institute, disclosed this to reporters Monday, July 25, 2022, at an event in Lagos.

The NIMR Director-General said it was the most recent research discovery.

Prof. Salako also disclosed that it is a rugged vector, very difficult to eradicate, and hitherto had not been found anywhere near West Africa.

This was a discovery by NIMR researchers and that had implication to malaria control in Nigeria, he noted.

Salako said that NIMR currently was looking at vaccines.

The expert further said: 鈥淲e have done a lot of studies on vaccines and we are looking at vaccines development.

鈥淲e are working with five groups in a consortium to develop world local vaccines in Nigeria which was different from production.”

He as well 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.

“If tomorrow we have a new epidemic or disease, known or unknown, it would be possible for Nigeria to develop its own vaccine,鈥� Salako stated.

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

The Institute is 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 hinted that the Research Institute is dealing with somebody (Salako) that is a game changer, so competent that you don鈥檛 need to voice it.

The official noted that Salako is a leader that would not just tell you how to do it but would show you how to do it.

The NIMR is a place where aspiring researchers were supposed to be, said he.

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