University of Jos - Nigeria
Bothered by the inadequate management of snakebites and other venomous insects and animals, Researchers in the University of Jos have invented a prophylactic agent (Vaccine) aimed at preventing and neutralizing snake venom in the human body or animal tissue.
The vaccine (COVIP-PLUS) which has no side effects also withstands temperatures of up to fifty degrees Celsius, maintains high potency and is available at an affordable price.
COVIP-Plus is derived from the seeds of a plant that is native to Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State and has been genetically modified to ensure its efficacy.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Seddi Sebastian Maimako who briefed members of the press on the new discovery at the University’s Senate Chamber, Naraguta Campus appreciated the intervention of the World bank in funding the Africa Centre of Excellence in Phytomedicine Research and Development (ACEPRD) which has provided the University the opportunity to conduct such applied researches.
The Vice-Chancellor who was represented by the Director, Africa Centre of Excellence in Phytomedicine Research and Development (ACEPRD), Professor John Aguiyi revealed that the research has been conducted for the past twenty years and has the potential to introduce a paradigm shift in the management of snakebites in Nigeria and globally while also contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
While appreciating efforts of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Professor Maimako called on the Federal Government and other critical stakeholders in the health sector to collaborate towards the success of the clinical trials which will require over Four Hundred Million Naira to complete and make the vaccine available for use.
He added that the University’s Research team that invented the vaccine is open for further discussions for the improvement of the healthcare needs of the nation and committed to conducting further researches that will help curb the nation’s health challenges.
Other members of the Research team made several contributions towards explaining many other aspects of the vaccines potency.