To fight against malaria, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with Swiss Pharma Nigeria (Swipha), supported Nigeria with $2.3 million to receive 4.8 million doses of malaria treatment tablets.
Swipha, in collaboration with the U.S. Government’s President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) and USAID, is set to revolutionize access to affordable, life-saving medicines in Nigeria and across West Africa.
This strategic partnership addresses long-standing obstacles in the local production of high-quality pharmaceuticals, a critical need in a region where fewer than 10% of medicines meet global standards.
Swipha recently achieved a major milestone with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) prequalification of its Sulfadoxine/Pyrimethamine (SP) tablets.
This medicine is vital for preventing malaria in pregnant women, a vulnerable group often impacted by the disease.
This achievement makes Swipha the first Nigerian pharmaceutical company certified to produce these essential tablets, enhancing its capacity to serve both domestic and global markets.
Frederic Lieutaud, Swipha’s Managing Director, credited USAID’s support in obtaining the WHO certification.
He highlighted the accomplishment as a testament to the company’s dedication to manufacturing high-quality medicines that meet international standards.
Melissa Jones, USAID’s Mission Director to Nigeria, underscored the broader implications of the partnership.
Jones said, “This partnership reflects our shared dedication to ensuring access to quality medicines. Together, we are creating a healthier future for Nigeria.”
The WHO echoed this sentiment, noting that Swipha’s prequalification not only boosts the company’s production capacity but also strengthens Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.
This advancement promises to improve the availability of critical treatments for malaria and child health, reinforcing the region’s fight against these pervasive challenges.
