Nigeria End Malaria Council: What to expect.

Following the World Health Organization 2021 report of Nigeria being the leading country among the four African countries responsible for half of the malaria mortality all over the world, the President of Nigeria, on August 16, 2022, inaugurated the Nigeria End Malaria Council to reduce the malaria burden in the country, serves as a platform to solicit funds for promoting malaria elimination in the country and to ensure the good life and wellbeing of the people. National End Malaria Council is an intervention that has been tested with proven track records of progressive success in malaria control and reduction in the countries where it has been established. With the establishment of the Nigeria End Malaria Council, we can be expectant of a malaria-free country in no time if the aims and objectives of the council are sustained and effectively carried out.

Strengthening Africa's capacity for vaccine research: Needs and challenges.

Vaccine development and production harbinger the control and eradication of infectious diseases. Vaccination played a huge role in the curtailment of disease outbreaks like smallpox and polio, especially in Africa. Despite the high demand for several vaccines in Africa due to the highly infectious disease burden, the continent still lacks adequate capacity for vaccine research and development. This paper aims to discuss the need and challenges of Africa to strengthen its capacity for vaccine research and development and also highlight practical recommendations. Some of the needs for Africa to prioritize vaccine research and development include; improving quality of life and well-being, cost-effectiveness, independent preparedness and response to local outbreaks, and increased access to funding. Challenges associated with vaccine research and development include the cost of the investment, risk of failure; poor ethical framework and legislation; lack of adequate funding; lack of political will & support; and poor surveillance system. Strategies to create sufficient research funds, an efficient surveillance system, and a legislative framework are clearly described. In conclusion, strengthening vaccine research capacity in Africa requires the political goodwill of African governments and strategic partnerships with international organizations and institutes. The challenges facing this development and possible solutions have been highlighted in this article.