By Julius Oweh
Senator Ned Nwoko is committed to addressing the malaria crisis in Africa, using both personal resources and advocacy to find lasting solutions.
His foundation recently hosted a workshop in Abuja focused on strengthening Nigeria’s malaria vaccine manufacturing capabilities.
The event gathered researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss producing homegrown vaccines as part of broader efforts to tackle the disease.
Nwoko, passionate about eradicating malaria, has personally invested over $20 million into malaria vaccine research and pharmaceutical manufacturing across Africa.
He emphasized the importance of collective action, including government support, private sector involvement, and international collaboration, to make a meaningful impact.
He has also introduced the Malaria Eradication Agency Bill (SB.172) in the Senate, which aims to establish an agency dedicated to research, vaccine production, funding, and large-scale eradication programs.
The public hearing for the bill is set for June 2025.
In his tweet, Nwoko expressed optimism about finding a solution, comparing the swift global response to COVID-19 with the slower progress on malaria.
He stressed that while malaria is a significant problem in Africa, the solution lies in the continent’s hands.
