In a significant stride towards combating malaria, the Nigerian Government, through the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vestergaard Sàrl.
This partnership aims to establish Nigeria as the first West African manufacturing hub for insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and the first in Africa to produce dual active-ingredient nets designed to combat insecticide resistance.
Malaria remains a pressing health crisis, with nearly every minute witnessing the tragic loss of a child under five to the disease. Currently, Africa accounts for almost 95% of global malaria cases, with 25% occurring in Nigeria alone. This reality necessitates innovative solutions to improve access to effective tools against malaria, prioritising local production of nets, medicines, and vaccines across the continent.
The MoU lays the groundwork for Vestergaard to create a joint venture with a local manufacturing partner, potentially supported by MedAccess, a social investor initiated by British International Investment.
The selection of a suitable partner is underway and will follow a rigorous due diligence process. Furthermore, Vestergaard is in discussions regarding financing opportunities with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).
If realised, this joint venture will lead to a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that aims to set a benchmark for ITN quality, bio-efficacy performance, and adherence to health, safety, and sustainability practices. At full capacity, the facility is expected to produce 10 million PermaNet® Dual long-lasting insecticidal nets annually for both domestic use and international export, creating approximately 600 jobs in Nigeria.
Dr Muhammad Ali Pate, the Hon. Minister of Health for Nigeria, emphasised the importance of this initiative as he said, “Increasing access to long-lasting insecticide-treated nets is crucial. We cannot afford to underestimate the power of prevention in our fight against malaria. Collaborative efforts, such as this, are essential to mobilising the resources and expertise needed to combat malaria effectively.”
Dr Abdu Mukhtar, National Coordinator of PVAC, highlighted the commitment to high standards, saying, “High standards in local production are non-negotiable. By investing in local bed net production, we are not only improving health outcomes but also paving the way for a self-sufficient healthcare system that can withstand global challenges. This partnership with Vestergaard is a significant step towards attaining this for Nigerians and the broader West African population.”
Michael Anderson, CEO of MedAccess, commented on the impact of regional manufacturing, noting, “Next-generation mosquito nets are powerful tools to save lives and prevent debilitating disease. Regional manufacturing is, in turn, a critical tool to ensure that the nets are available quickly, reliably, and sustainably. This agreement between the Government of Nigeria and Vestergaard underlines an important commitment to protecting people from malaria while strengthening supply chain resilience in the region.”
Also, the Vice President at DFC, Jim Polan, reiterated the importance of investment as he said, “DFC’s investments in regional manufacturing, particularly in Africa, aim to strengthen health system resilience and diversify supply chains. We are exploring a variety of opportunities to expand access to critical health products, including bed nets, to ensure the region is better prepared to respond to malaria and other vector-borne transmissions due to changing climate patterns.”
The CEO of Vestergaard, Amar Ali, then expressed gratitude for the partnership as he said, “This partnership exemplifies the leadership and commitment of the Nigerian government in the fight against malaria. We are very grateful for their engagement and support as we work together with partners to create a cutting-edge facility that will set a global benchmark in the manufacturing of dual-insecticide nets.”
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