A new malaria vector called anopheles stephensi has been discovered in northern Nigeria, according to the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR).
Professor Babatunde Salako, Director General of NMR was speaking with reporters in Lagos at a birthday ceremony organised by his members of staff
Babatunde said this vector was a rugged vector, very difficult to eradicate, and had never been seen in West Africa, adding that the discovery had implications for malaria control in Nigeria.
The Director General said the agency was currently looking at vaccines.
“We have done a lot of studies on vaccines and we are looking at vaccine development. We are working with five groups in a consortium to develop world local vaccines in Nigeria which are different from production,” he said.
Mr. Salako explained that the idea was to help Nigerian researchers develop vaccines from scratch. He said that in the unfortunate event of another future epidemic, it would be possible for Nigeria to develop its own vaccine.
