USAID Partners with Swipha to Procure 4.8M Malaria Tablets, Strengthening Healthcare in Nigeria

A $2.3 million investment under the President’s Malaria Initiative aims to increase access to essential malaria treatments and boost local pharmaceutical capacity in Nigeria and West Africa.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has committed $2.3 million to procure 4.8 million doses of essential malaria tablets from Swiss Pharma (Swipha), marking a transformative step in improving access to life-saving medicines in Nigeria and across West Africa. The procurement will be facilitated through the U.S. Government’s President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) and highlights the United States’ ongoing commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.

Nigeria has long struggled with procuring affordable, high-quality medicines, especially due to the high cost of production and challenges faced by local pharmaceutical companies in meeting international standards. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), fewer than 10% of medicines manufactured in sub-Saharan Africa meet global quality standards, which has hindered the ability of local companies to meet healthcare needs, particularly in the areas of malaria treatment and child health.

In response to these challenges, USAID partnered with Swipha to help the company achieve World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification for sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (SP) tablets, a crucial medicine for preventing malaria during pregnancy. This achievement makes Swipha the first pharmaceutical company in both Nigeria and West Africa to receive this prestigious WHO certification, marking a significant advancement in the region's pharmaceutical capabilities.

“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 scale production and serve both local and international markets with trusted, essential medicines.”

The WHO prequalification allows Swipha to expand its production, supplying these essential malaria medicines to international donors and procurement agencies. This development strengthens healthcare delivery in Nigeria and across West Africa, contributing to ongoing public health efforts aimed at combating preventable diseases.

During a visit to Swipha’s Lagos facility, Melissa Jones, USAID Mission Director to Nigeria, 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.”

This partnership, which improves the availability of affordable malaria treatment and bolsters local manufacturing capabilities, represents a significant step forward in advancing Nigeria's healthcare system and addressing the challenges faced in providing essential medicines to vulnerable populations.