The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced a commitment of $2.3 million to purchase malaria treatment tablets, marking a significant advancement for public health efforts in Nigeria. This announcement was made through a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, on Tuesday, November 12. This procurement will be facilitated through the U.S. Government’s President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) and emphasizes the United States’ dedication to improving Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure by ensuring that life-saving treatments reach vulnerable communities.
According to the statement, “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). This landmark partnership will expand access to essential medicines in Nigeria and West Africa.” USAID’s investment underscores an ongoing focus on providing critical treatments to communities at risk of malaria.
Nigeria has encountered significant challenges in obtaining affordable, high-quality medicines due to high production costs. Many local pharmaceutical companies struggle with these costs and often fail to meet international quality standards. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), fewer than 10% of medicines manufactured in sub-Saharan Africa meet global standards, restricting local companies’ ability to supply essential drugs and fulfill healthcare needs.
These challenges have particularly impacted access to medicines for malaria and child health, as local production has frequently fallen short in both quality and quantity. In response, USAID partnered with Swipha to help them achieve WHO prequalification for sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (SP) tablets, a crucial medication for malaria prevention during pregnancy. Swipha is now the first pharmaceutical company in Nigeria and West Africa to receive this WHO certification, marking a significant advancement for the region’s pharmaceutical capabilities.
“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 ability to scale production and serve both local and international markets with trusted, essential medicines.”
With the WHO prequalification, Swipha is well-positioned to expand its reach, supplying these vital medications to international donors and procurement agencies, ultimately strengthening healthcare delivery across Nigeria and the broader West African region. This achievement also signifies a substantial boost to Nigeria’s healthcare system by improving local manufacturing capacity and aiding public health efforts to combat preventable diseases.
USAID Mission Director to Nigeria, Melissa Jones, stated that this achievement reflects the power of collaboration in enhancing healthcare in Nigeria. “We are proud to have supported Swipha in reaching this milestone and look forward to continuing our partnership to ensure that more quality medicines reach those who need them most. Together, we are building a healthier future for Nigeria.”