The Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) has taken a major step in advancing homegrown public health solutions by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigeria Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research (NITR). The partnership will focus on the research, development, validation, and commercialization of indigenous, Nano-repellent products to protect Nigerians against River Blindness (Onchocerciasis) and Sleeping Sickness (African Trypanosomiasis).

Prof. Martins Emeje, Director-General of NNMDA, emphasized the agency’s commitment to harnessing Nigeria’s rich natural resources to develop effective treatments for these debilitating diseases by leveraging indigenous technology to provide sustainable health solutions for our citizens.

The MoU aligns with NNMDA’s broader mission of promoting natural medicine and integrating traditional knowledge into modern healthcare, ensuring that Nigeria’s innovative research translates into practical solutions with economic and social impact.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Phillip Ndiomu, noted that this partnership highlights the Ministry’s dedication to innovation-driven public health interventions and the transformation of Nigeria’s science and technology ecosystem. He commended NNMDA’s leadership in mobilizing indigenous knowledge for disease control.

Earlier, Dr. JJ Ajakaiye, Director-General of NITR, explained that the Institute will support NNMDA by providing research, technology, and vector control expertise for the control and elimination of African Trypanosomiasis and Onchocerciasis nationwide.

This landmark collaboration underscores NNMDA’s role as a national leader in natural medicine development, public health innovation, and the commercialization of indigenous solutions for disease prevention and treatment.