The federal government has applauded the Federation of Nigerian Pharmaceutical Industries Association (FeNPIA), the umbrella body for all pharmaceutical associations in Nigeria, for its generous donation of vital medicines to victims of the recent flooding in Borno State.
The donation, which supports the ongoing relief efforts by the Federal Ministry of Health under the leadership of the coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, and the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Tunji Alausa, for Victims of the devastating floods in the state aims to address the urgent healthcare needs of thousands affected by the flooding, particularly those residing in overcrowded Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camps.
Pate facilitated the donation in the presence of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the executive governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum.
During the donation ceremony at the Borno State Government House, 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 coordinating minister 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, reflect the local capabilities of the association’s member companies, which 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 local pharmaceutical companies’ capabilities to meet Nigeria’s health needs 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 averred.
He stated that the materials will be distributed in coordination with the state government and other humanitarian agencies to ensure effective and timely delivery to those in need, adding that “FeNPIA’s initiative reflects a broader commitment to humanitarian causes and community support. The association has assured that it will continue collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to improve the country’s health outcomes.”
