2 weeks Ago By Jimisayo Opanuga
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced a $2.3 million investment to procure 4.8 million doses of life-saving malaria treatment tablets.
The announcement was made via a statement issued by the United States (US) embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, on Tuesday, November 12. Nigeria, like many African nations, has long struggled with malaria. The disease continues to be a serious threat, especially to vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.
This procurement is to be facilitated through the U.S. government’s President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI).
“The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has committed $2.
3 million to procure 4.8 million doses of life-saving malaria tablets from Swiss Pharma (Swipha) in a landmark partnership that will expand access to essential medicines in Nigeria and West Africa,” the statement read. USAID is also working with Swipha to obtain World Health Organisation (WHO) prequalification for sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (SP) tablets, which are critical for malaria prevention during pregnancy.
Swipha is the first pharmaceutical company in Nigeria and West Africa to receive WHO certification, a significant step forward for the region’s pharmaceutical capacity. “USAID’s support was pivotal in helping us reach this milestone,” said Swipha Managing Director Frederic Lieutaud. “The WHO prequalification not only validates our commitment to producing high-quality medicines but also enhances our capacity to scale production and serve both local and international markets with trusted, essential medicines.
” Swipha is well-positioned to broaden its reach by supplying these essential medicines to international donors and procurement agencies, ultimately strengthening healthcare delivery in Nigeria and the wider West African region. This achievement also provides a significant boost to Nigeria’s healthcare system by increasing local manufacturing capacity and supporting public health efforts to combat preventable diseases. Melissa Jones, USAID Mission Director in Nigeria, said the achievement demonstrates the power of collaboration in improving healthcare in Nigeria.
She added, “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.”.
