In a groundbreaking feat, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Swiss Pharma (Swipha) have joined forces to revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria and West Africa.
Through their collaborative efforts, Swipha has become the first pharmaceutical company in the region to receive World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification for two life-saving medicines.
This remarkable achievement marks a significant step forward in ensuring access to quality healthcare for vulnerable populations.
For years, Nigeria has faced numerous challenges in procuring essential medicines due to high costs and the inability of local pharmaceutical companies to meet international standards. This has resulted in limited access to quality healthcare, particularly for children and pregnant women.
However, USAID’s technical assistance and partnership with Swipha have bridged this gap, enabling the company to achieve WHO prequalification and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification.
The two newly certified medicines, pediatric Zinc Sulphate and Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine tablets, are crucial in combating severe diarrhea and malaria in pregnancy, respectively.
These diseases are leading causes of mortality among children under five years old and pregnant women in Nigeria.
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With WHO prequalification, Swipha can now supply these essential medicines to organizations and governments globally, contributing to improved child health and maternal care across the region and beyond.
USAID Acting Mission Director Alexis Taylor-Granados praised the partnership, saying, “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 milestone achievement demonstrates the impact of collaborative efforts in driving pharmaceutical excellence and improving healthcare outcomes in Nigeria and West Africa.
