Biotechnology Key to Stronger Vaccines, Diagnostics, Disease Control in Nigeria — Expert

Biotechnology Key to Stronger Vaccines, Diagnostics, Disease Control in Nigeria — Expert

Advances in biotechnology are playing an increasingly critical role in shaping Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly in vaccine development, diagnostics, and disease control, according to a molecular biologist, Ruth Zigabe. Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, Zigabe emphasised that modern healthcare responses—especially during outbreaks—are now deeply rooted in biotechnology-driven solutions. ускорating vaccine development Zigabe explained that contemporary vaccine production relies heavily on tools from Biotechnology, particularly Genetic Engineering. These technologies enable scientists to quickly identify disease-causing pathogens and design targeted immune responses. She highlighted the growing importance of mRNA vaccines, noting that they have transformed how vaccines are developed and deployed. By using genetic instructions to prompt the body to produce protective proteins, mRNA platforms allow for rapid response to emerging health threats. “mRNA carries genetic instructions from DNA to the cell’s protein-making machinery, where those instructions are used to build proteins,” she explained. Improving diagnostics and early detection Beyond vaccines, biotechnology is also strengthening diagnostic capabilities. Zigabe pointed to the use of Polymerase Chain Reaction, a molecular method that can detect infections with high sensitivity—even at early stages. She added that biotech-driven rapid diagnostic kits have significantly improved disease surveillance, particularly in resource-limited settings where early detection is essential to controlling outbreaks. Enhancing disease control systems According to Zigabe, biotechnology also supports disease control through genomic surveillance, enabling scientists to monitor mutations and track transmission patterns of infectious diseases. Such insights are vital for informing public health decisions, including vaccination strategies and containment measures, ultimately helping to reduce the spread of infections. Call for investment and collaboration Zigabe stressed the need for increased investment in biotechnology infrastructure and local expertise to strengthen Nigeria’s preparedness for future health emergencies. She called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, research institutions, and private-sector players to fully harness the sector’s potential. She also underscored the importance of public education, warning that misinformation about biotechnology could undermine vaccine acceptance and uptake. Building a resilient healthcare future To reduce dependence on imported medical solutions, Zigabe urged policymakers to prioritise local vaccine research and manufacturing. She noted that strengthening regulatory frameworks would not only ensure safety but also build public trust and encourage innovation. According to her, embracing biotechnology offers Nigeria an opportunity to improve health outcomes while positioning itself as a competitive player in global biomedical innovation.