FG commissions NIMR’s Human Virology, Genomics facility

Kunle Sanni

The Federal Government on Thursday commissioned the National Institute of Medical Research (NIMR)’s Human Virology and Genomics facility in Abuja.

During the facility’s opening, the state minister of health, Tunji Alausa said that it has several laboratories for immunology, histology, molecular research, sample and sequencing preparation, among other things.

He went on to say that the center will support state-of-the-art research for endemic public health problems and help Nigerian immigrants become a force in the country’s genomics and precision medicine fields.

Alausa stated that the construction of the facility is in line with President Bola Tinubu led administration.

He said, “I’m confident that this facility will propel Nigerian immigration to become a powerhouse for genomics and precision medicine in Nigeria, cater to cutting edge research for endemic public health diseases and in turn shape the country into a hub for medical research, in line with President @officialABAT GCFR’s vision.

During the ceremony, I was also delighted to see NIMR’s locally made, cost-efficient and highly effective #Hepatitis B (HBV) qPCR test kit as well as other test kits and products they’ve produced. Once on the market, the HBV test kit will aid to reduce morbidity and mortality rates accrued by HBV.

Mr President’s goal is to re-shape the economy to create a stable and sustainable market where Nigerian manufacturers can thrive. With this new kit, I can happily say NIMR is making great strides to achieve this vision.

I’m eager to see the outputs of NIMR’s new facility and will work tirelessly to ensure their  HBV qPCR kit is @NafdacAgency certified and approved for use, so it’s available to those in need.