Angela Onwuzoo
Pharmaceutical stakeholders under the aegis of the Federation of Nigerian Pharmaceutical Industry Associations have donated essential medicines and medical supplies to the victims of devastating floods that ravaged some communities in Borno State recently.
FeNPIA is the umbrella body for all pharmaceutical associations in Nigeria
According to the National Emergency Management Agency, over 70 per cent of Maiduguri was submerged by the fast-moving water, displacing over a million residents and resulting in over 30 casualties.
The stakeholders said the materials would be distributed in coordination with the state government and other humanitarian agencies to ensure effective and timely delivery to those in need.
The pharmacists said the devastating floods further exacerbated the threat of disease outbreaks in overcrowded Internally Displaced Persons Camps, where access to necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare remains scarce.
FeNPIA leadership said there was a dire need to step in to complement the government’s efforts by providing medical supplies.
The donation, the pharmacists said supports the ongoing relief efforts by the Federal Ministry of Health led by the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, and the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for Victims of the devastating floods in the state.
The stakeholders in a statement sent to PUNCH Healthwise by FeNPIA’s Secretary, Femi Soremekun, said the donation also seeks to address the urgent healthcare needs of thousands affected by the flooding, particularly those residing in overcrowded IDP camps.
The donation which took place at the Borno State Government House, attracted the presence of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
In his remarks, Pate commended FeNPIA for its timely intervention and emphasised the importance of such benevolence in alleviating the suffering of those displaced by the flooding.
The minister also noted that the generous donations, which included a wide range of essential medicines and medical consumables expected to prevent disease outbreaks and provide immediate relief for the health challenges facing displaced persons, was a reflection of the local capabilities of the member companies of the association who manufacture most of these products in the country.
The President of FeNPIA, Dr Okey Akpa while presenting the support materials to Governor Babagana Zulum. stated that the association’s contribution underscores its commitment to working closely with governments at both federal and state levels and other partners to ensure that aid reaches Nigerians in need regardless of location or socio-economic status.
“This donation also demonstrates the capabilities of local pharmaceutical companies to meet the health needs of Nigeria across various therapeutic areas.
“The combined capacity of these local players to cater to Nigerians is even expected to grow remarkably with the implementation of the Presidential Initiative To Unlock The Pharmaceutical Value Chain of the current administration of His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who has continued to support the industry since the inception of his administration.
“We are optimistic the presidential initiative, championed by the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate and the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa will be implemented in record time, and Nigerians will enjoy improved healthcare shortly”, Akpa said.
FeNPIA’s initiative reflects a broader commitment to humanitarian causes and community support.
Akpa assured that the association would continue to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders to improve the country’s health outcomes.
Represented at the ceremony were the association’s member bodies, including the Association of Pharmaceutical Importers of Nigeria; Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria; Nigerian Association of Industrial Pharmacists; Nigerian Representatives of Overseas Pharmaceutical Manufacturers; Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria as well as the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy.
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