Sept. 26, 2024

The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a bold step towards combating malaria by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vestergaard, a global leader in the production of disease-control products.

The agreement was facilitated under the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), on the sideline of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) .

It aims to establish the country as West Africa’s first manufacturing hub for Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs).

In his remarks, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, said that the country would be the first on the continent to produce dual-active-ingredient nets.

Pate said that the nets were designed to combat insecticide resistance.

“The new venture aligns with ongoing efforts to boost access to cost-effective malaria-prevention tools and strengthen healthcare manufacturing capabilities across Africa.

“The MoU sets the groundwork for Vestergaard to form a joint venture with a local manufacturing partner in Nigeria, with potential financial backing from MedAccess, a social investor funded by British International Investment.

“Discussions are also underway with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to explore additional financing options,”he said.

Pate said that the planned facility was expected to produce 10 million PermaNet® Dual long-lasting insecticidal nets annually, both for domestic use and international export.

“Once operational, the facility will generate approximately 600 jobs and serve as a benchmark for ITN quality, bioefficacy, and sustainability practices,” he said.

The minister highlighted the importance of prevention in the fight against malaria.

According to him, increasing access to long-lasting insecticide-treated nets is crucial. We cannot afford to underestimate the power of prevention.

“Collaborative efforts like this are essential for mobilising the necessary resources and expertise to combat malaria effectively,” he said.

Dr Abdu Mukhtar, National Coordinator of PVAC, said that investing in local bed net production will improve health outcomes, and also pave the way for a self-sufficient healthcare system that can withstand global challenges.

“This partnership with Vestergaard is a significant step towards achieving that for Nigerians and the broader West African population,” Mukhtar said.

Mr Michael Anderson, MedAccess CEO, described the initiative as key to strengthening regional supply chains.

“Next-generation mosquito nets are powerful tools to save lives. Regional manufacturing ensures that these nets are available quickly and sustainably.

“This agreement underlines an important commitment to protecting people from malaria while enhancing supply chain resilience,” Anderson said.

Mr Jim Polan, Vice President at the DFC, emphasised the role of regional manufacturing in health system resilience and supply chain diversification.

“Our investments’ aim to ensure that critical health products like bed nets are readily available to address the growing challenges posed by diseases like malaria,” Polan said.

Mr Amar Ali, CEO of Vestergaard, expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s leadership in tackling malaria.

“This partnership exemplifies the commitment of the Nigerian government in the fight against malaria.

“We are excited to work together to create a cutting-edge facility that will set a global benchmark in the manufacturing of dual-insecticide nets,” Ali noted.

If it is successful, this initiative will position the country at the forefront of malaria prevention efforts on the continent, offering hope for a continent plagued by the deadly disease. (NAN)