For Immediate Release
Press Release
Lagos, Nigeria — The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with Swiss Pharma (Swipha), has achieved a significant milestone in the pharmaceutical industry that will protect and save lives. Through technical assistance and partnership, USAID helped Swipha become the first pharmaceutical company in Nigeria and West Africa to receive World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification for two essential medicines. This accomplishment underscores the joint commitment to improving healthcare services and access to life-saving medicines across the region.
For years, Nigeria has faced challenges in procuring life-saving medicines due to high costs and the inability of many local pharmaceutical companies to meet international standards. These barriers have limited access to quality healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.
With USAID's support, Swipha has not only attained the essential certification, but has also been recognized as the first pharmaceutical company in Nigeria and West Africa to comply with Good Manufacturing Practice standards as outlined by the WHO. This certification is a testament to the quality, safety, and efficiency of Swipha's pharmaceutical products and processes.
The newly certified pediatric Zinc Sulphate is crucial in reducing the severity and duration of severe diarrhea, a leading cause of mortality among children under five years old in Nigeria. Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine tablets—also manufactured by Swipha, and WHO-certified—are essential for preventing malaria in pregnancy, a significant contributor to child mortality in the country.
With WHO prequalification, Swipha can now supply these essential medicines to organizations and governments globally, contributing to the improvement of child health and maternal care across Nigeria, the West African sub-region, and beyond.
During her visit to the Swipha factory in Lagos, USAID Acting Mission Director Alexis Taylor-Granados remarked, “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.”
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For more information contact the Development Outreach and Communications Team at Abujadoc@usaid.gov
ABOUT USAID: USAID leads international development and humanitarian efforts to save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance, and help nations progress beyond assistance. In Nigeria, USAID supports humanitarian assistance, health systems strengthening, transparent and accountable governance, basic education, and a more market-led, trade-friendly economy. For more information about USAID and its programs, please visit www.usaid.gov/nigeria and follow us on Facebook and Twitter @USAIDNigeria
USAID Nigeria visits Swiss Pharma Nigeria to applaud their WHO PQ certification for malaria prevention pills that can be taken by pregnant women. As a result of USAID support, Swipha is the first pharmaceutical company in Nigeria and in West Africa to be declared compliant with the standards of Good Manufacturing Practice. Photo: Alex Larrieux