The West African Infectious Diseases Institute (WAIDI) has expressed concern over lack of research on major diseases challenging the country.

 

The institute which was launched in Nigeria last week, seeks to collaborate between university researchers and the private sector to ensure international standard research in the country.

 

“It is never too late to recognise that there is a gap that needs to be filled,” said Dr Iorwa Apera, interim director of the institute. 

 

 

At least 12 Nigerian universities alongside two government institutions -Nigeria Institute for Medical Research and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control - are already part of WAIDI’s collaboration effort for stronger research capacity.

 

Director-General of National Agency for Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr John Idoko, who moderated the WAIDI’s symposium in Abuja, said increased productivity and awareness of industry-related problems was useful for further research