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 adhe.