By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
NIGERIA’s BATTLE against malaria has received a critical boost with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) committing $2.3 million to procure 4.8 million doses of malaria treatment tablets.
The partnership with Swiss Pharma Nigeria (Swipha) is set to enhance access to life-saving medicines for vulnerable communities across Nigeria and West Africa.
The initiative, backed by the U.S. Government’s President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), addresses the persistent challenges of producing affordable, high-quality medicines in the region.
With fewer than 10% of sub-Saharan Africa’s pharmaceuticals meeting global standards, local manufacturers have struggled to supply essential drugs.
USAID’s collaboration with Swipha aims to overcome these hurdles.
The funding supports Swipha’s successful attainment of the World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification for Sulfadoxine/Pyrimethamine (SP) tablets, a key medicine for malaria prevention during pregnancy.
Frederic Lieutaud, Swipha’s Managing Director, praised USAID’s instrumental role in achieving WHO certification, which validates Swipha’s commitment to high-quality production.
The milestone positions Swipha as the first Nigerian pharmaceutical company certified to produce these critical tablets, bolstering its ability to serve both local and international markets.
Melissa Jones, USAID Mission Director to Nigeria, emphasized the significance of this collaboration in strengthening healthcare delivery.
“This partnership reflects our shared dedication to ensuring access to quality medicines. Together, we are creating a healthier future for Nigeria,” she said.
The WHO said its prequalification not only expands Swipha’s capacity but also reinforces Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure by enhancing local manufacturing and improving access to essential treatments for malaria and child health.
