In a groundbreaking achievement for Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry, Swiss Pharma (Swipha) has become the first company in the country and the entire West African region to receive World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification for two critical medicines.
This information was announced in a press release by USAID and Swipha on their website, which was also accessible to the Africa Health Report (AHR) on Tuesday. This achievement, facilitated by technical support and collaboration with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), represents an important advancement in enhancing healthcare access and saving lives throughout the region.
Nigeria has long struggled with the high costs and limited availability of life-saving medicines, primarily due to local pharmaceutical companies’ challenges in meeting international standards. These obstacles have particularly affected vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.
With USAID’s support, Swipha not only achieved the essential WHO certification but also became the first Nigerian pharmaceutical company to comply with the WHO’s Good Manufacturing Practice standards. This certification is a strong endorsement of the quality, safety, and efficiency of Swipha’s products and manufacturing processes.
The newly certified pediatric Zinc Sulphate is a vital medicine in combating severe diarrhea among children under five, one of the leading causes of child mortality in Nigeria. Additionally, Swipha’s WHO-certified Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine tablets are crucial for preventing malaria in pregnancy, a significant factor in reducing child mortality in the country.
With WHO prequalification, Swipha is now equipped to provide these vital medicines to organizations and governments globally, playing a crucial role in enhancing child health and maternal care throughout Nigeria, West Africa, and beyond.
While visiting the Swipha factory in Lagos, USAID Acting Mission Director Alexis Taylor-Granados commended the teamwork that contributed to this accomplishment. She said, “This achievement showcases the importance of collaboration in enhancing healthcare in Nigeria. We are proud to have assisted Swipha in achieving this milestone and are eager to continue our partnership to provide more quality medicines to those who need them most. Together, we are creating a healthier future for Nigeria.”
