The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has pledged $2.3 million to purchase 4.8 million doses of malaria treatment tablets for Nigeria, aimed at improving access to essential healthcare in vulnerable communities. This initiative, part of the U.S. Government’s President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), is a significant step in Nigeria’s fight against malaria and in strengthening its healthcare system.
The procurement of the tablets, sourced from Swiss Pharma (Swipha), marks a landmark partnership aimed at expanding access to life-saving medicines across Nigeria and West Africa. “USAID’s investment highlights our ongoing focus on providing life-saving treatments to communities vulnerable to malaria,” the statement from the U.S. embassy read.
Improving Access to Quality Medicines
Nigeria has long faced challenges in procuring affordable, high-quality medicines due to production costs and the inability of many local pharmaceutical companies to meet international standards. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), fewer than 10% of medicines produced in sub-Saharan Africa meet global quality requirements. This has particularly impacted malaria treatment and child healthcare.
To address this, USAID has partnered with Swipha, which has recently achieved WHO prequalification for its sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (SP) tablets, an essential malaria prevention medicine for pregnant women. Swipha is now the first pharmaceutical company in both Nigeria and West Africa to receive this certification, a crucial milestone for local manufacturing capacity and healthcare improvement.
“USAID’s support was pivotal in helping us reach this milestone,” said Frederic Lieutaud, Managing Director of Swipha. “The WHO prequalification not only validates our commitment to producing high-quality medicines but also enhances our capacity to serve both local and international markets.”
Strengthening Regional Healthcare
With WHO prequalification, Swipha can now expand its reach, supplying essential medicines to international donors and procurement agencies. This achievement is a vital step in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system, building local capacity, and improving public health outcomes across the region.
USAID’s Mission Director to Nigeria, Melissa Jones, emphasized the importance of collaboration in advancing healthcare in the country. “We are proud to have supported Swipha in reaching this milestone and look forward to continuing our partnership to ensure more quality medicines reach those who need them most. Together, we are building a healthier future for Nigeria.”
This collaboration between USAID, Swipha, and local health stakeholders is helping to build a sustainable healthcare future for Nigeria, ensuring the continued delivery of essential medicines to those most in need.
