United States 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).
This is according to a statement issued by the United States Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria on Tuesday.
It informed that the procurement, to be facilitated through the U.S. Government’s President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), underscored the United States’ dedication to advancing Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure and ensuring life-saving treatments reach vulnerable communities.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), fewer than 10% of medicines manufactured in sub-Saharan Africa meet global standards, limiting local companies’ ability to supply essential drugs and meet healthcare needs. These barriers have particularly affected access to medicines for malaria and child health, as local production has often fallen short of both quality and quantity requirements.
In response, USAID partnered with Swipha in their efforts to attain World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification for
sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (SP) tablets, a vital medicine for malaria prevention during pregnancy.
Swipha is now the first pharmaceutical company in Nigeria and in West Africa to achieve this WHO certification, marking a critical step forward for the region’s pharmaceutical capacity.
“USAID’s support was pivotal in helping us reach this milestone. 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”, said Swipha Managing Director, Frederic Lieutaud.
During her visit to Swipha’s facility in Lagos, USAID Mission Director to Nigeria, Melissa Jones, commented: “This achievement is a testament to the power of collaboration in improving healthcare in Nigeria. 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”.
