Ministry Of Defence Recieves Leadership of Walter Reed Army Institute USA, Held Talks On Strengthening Research in Health Sector

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence Dr. Ibrahim Kana has stated that the current partnership between Water Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) and the Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme has strenghten the relationship between the two countries and their Militaries. 

The Permanent Secretary made the called when he received the leadership of Water Reed Army Institute of Research USA, at Ship House, Abuja Nigeria. 

A statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike said the Ministry of Defence wants to strenghten collaborations in area of medical research that would benefit Military personnel and civilians. 

"Your facility has been of a tremendous help not only to the military but to the entire nation, we can work on research not only in the treatment of diseases like malaria but its prevention, vaccine since malaria is one of the killer diseases of children from age five," he said.

Dr. Kana who noted the US is doing well in research development said "I believe our stronger partnership in the area of research will help a lot and we can work actively in the aspect of malaria prevention vaccine. The Ministry will be happy to launch such a research programme," Dr. Kana stated. 

Earlier the, Director-General of Ministry of Defence Health implementation Programme Brigadier General Nathan Okeji (Rtd) described the support of Walter Reed Army Institute as excellent and has contributed in controlling the spread of HIV/ Tuberculosis. 

The leader of the delegation from the Water Reed Army Institute, Air Commodore Cownell Lozano assured the Permanent Secretary of the deeper commitment of the United States to supporting the existing relationship with Nigeria.

He expressed appreciation to the Ministry for the support and commitment, emphasizing the significant achievements resulting from the partnership especially in the establishment of the Defence Reference Laboratory (DRL) in Abuja.

The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) has been a leader in solving significant threats to Soldier readiness and lethality such as disease and battle injury since 1893 and it is based in Washington DC.