Lagos: A Chinese scientific delegation has visited the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) to explore opportunities for strategic collaboration in infectious disease research, vaccine development, and capacity building. The delegation was led by Prof. George Gao, a prominent Chinese Virologist and former Director-General of the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the delegation included experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China CDC, Peking University, and Shanghai Junshi Biosciences, and visited several Nigerian health institutions. During the meeting at NIMR, Gao emphasized the importance of strengthening scientific partnerships with African institutions, particularly in addressing shared public health concerns.
Prof. Gao expressed his interest in future collaborations in Nigeria, highlighting his extensive work experience in Africa and the existing strong basis for partnership. He noted that addressing global health threats such as emerging and re-emerging diseases required cross-border scientific cooperation. The virologist also highlighted existing professional relationships with Nigerian public health leaders and a history of engagement between Chinese and Nigerian health institutions.
Prof. John Obafunwa, the Director-General of NIMR, welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the institute’s readiness to partner with global institutions to strengthen Nigeria’s research and innovation capacity. He emphasized that collaborations not only advanced science but also built local capacity and addressed health challenges specific to the African context.
Obafunwa noted the urgent need for strategic partnerships to support research and transition from research to full-scale production, particularly in vaccines and diagnostics. He highlighted NIMR’s existing facilities and expressed optimism about moving from potential to impact through the right collaborations. He also emphasized the institute’s commitment to expanding collaborations with local and international institutions, including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the World Health Organisation (WHO), and universities within Nigeria, the U.S., and the UK.
Obafunwa pointed out the challenges of infrastructure and funding gaps limiting optimal performance, disclosing that plans for a centralised, fully equipped research laboratory were yet to materialize due to funding constraints, leading to fragmented facilities across departments. He highlighted the institute’s growing capabilities in molecular biology and genomics but stressed the need for advanced technologies and training to reduce dependence on foreign laboratories.
The engagement marked a significant step in deepening Nigeria-China cooperation in medical research, with both sides expressing optimism about translating discussions into tangible, high-impact projects. The visit featured technical presentations from both sides, including cutting-edge research on next-generation vaccine development.
A key presentation by Prof. Han Wang of Peking University focused on advances in Mpox vaccine development, emphasizing creating safer, more effective, and affordable vaccines tailored for regions with the highest disease burden, including Africa. Wang noted that current vaccine options faced limitations such as safety concerns, reduced effectiveness, and high costs, which restricted access across many African countries. Her team is developing a next-generation, cost-effective vaccine using a novel ‘chimeric immunogen’ approach, designed to improve immune response while simplifying production.
The visit also created a platform for both institutions to explore collaboration in areas such as vaccine research and development, genomic sequencing, clinical trials, technology transfer and training, and rapid response to emerging infectious diseases. The Chinese delegates, led by Prof. George Gao, included Dr. Hong Yang from China CDC, Prof. Haitao Hu, Prof. Jiawxwu Qi, Prof. Likui Wong from the Chinese Academy of Science, Prof. Ham Wang from Peking University, and representatives from Shanghai Junshi Bioscience Company and AFKMED Biotech Nigeria Ltd.
The NIMR team, led by Obafunwa, included Dr. David Oladele, Head of NIMR Clinical Trial Centre, Dr. Azuka Okwuraiwe, Head of the Biochemistry and Nutrition Department, and other notable members from various departments within the institute.