The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) urges the Federal Government to establish a presidential committee dedicated to the pharmaceutical sector, implementing the National Drug Distribution Guidelines, and strengthening existing laws against fake drugs.

ACPN made the call while reacting to the government’s recent ban on imported drugs, describing the move as a strategic step toward strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing and conserving foreign exchange.

In a statement jointly signed by its National Chairman, Ambrose Ezeh and National Secretary, Omokhafe Ashore, the association said the updated prohibition schedule covering drugs under HS Codes 3003.10.00.00 through 3004.90.00 signals renewed commitment to protecting domestic industry players.

The ACPN specifically highlighted the ban on the importation of commonly used medicines such as paracetamol tablets and syrups, metronidazole, clotrimazole, chloroquine, multivitamins, aspirin and folic acid, as well as topical preparations like penicillin and gentamycin ointments.

It described the development as a “step in the right direction” that would boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.

The association noted that local drug production currently accounts for just over 38 percent of national demand, far below the 70 percent target set in the National Drug Policy 2021.

It attributed this gap partly to continued dependence on imports, especially from China and India, which it said accounts for about 65 per cent of drug supply in the country.

It also urged reforms in pharmaceutical education and training to expand the pool of skilled professionals across industry, clinical, hospital and community practice.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed five priority steps that could be taken by malaria-endemic countries especially in Africa to achieve the 2030 global target of eliminating malaria.

WHO emphasises the need for global malaria eradication marking the 2026 World Malaria Day with the theme: “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must” 

World Malaria Day 2026 is observed on April 25th under the theme “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must”.

It highlights the potential to eliminate malaria in our lifetime, supported by new vaccines and next-generation nets, while urging immediate, accelerated action to address rising threats.

First, WHO said that countries must lead the malaria response with strong national ownership. It noted that when governments prioritize malaria as a dividend of national development and mobilize domestic resources, they lay the foundation for sustainable impact.

Second, it suggested a strategic intelligence action. It noted that robust surveillance systems, improved use of evidence and data analytics allow countries to anticipate threats, deploy interventions more effectively and ensure that resources are used where they can achieve the greatest impact.

Third, it highlighted that innovation must be accelerated and scaled equitably.

WHO said the introduction of malaria vaccines, new vector control tools, and improved treatment strategies represents a major step forward.

At the same time, strengthening Africa’s research capacity and regional manufacturing can help ensure that innovation benefits those who need it most.

Fourth, it insisted that Primary Health Care (PHC) centres must remain at the center of the malaria response. And that people-centered health services delivered through strong community platforms enable early diagnosis, timely treatment and sustained prevention.

And fifth, WHO noted that ending malaria requires a whole-of-society effort. Environmental, social and economic factors shape malaria transmission.

The Cross River State government that contact tracing carried out by health officials have dentified and isolated 10 persons who interacted with the Chinese national who reimported COVID-19 into Nigeria.

The State’s Epidemiologist, Dr Inyang Ekpenyong, said that her team visited the Chinese national’s work place in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.

“They were identified during contact tracing carried out by health officials. We’ve restricted their movements to their homes, so that they do not spread the symptoms to other persons, she said.”

The epidemiologist reminded members of the public that COVID-19, which broke out six years ago, had not been totally eliminated.

She cautioned people to habitually sanitise their hands, use nose masks, and adhere to other prescriptions by experts.