As the world commemorates World Malaria Day 2026, Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited has issued a clarion call for Nigeria to prioritise local drug manufacturing and invest in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) as a decisive step towards eliminating malaria.
Citing figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the company highlighted Nigeria’s staggering share of the global malaria burden, accounting for 27 percent of cases worldwide and nearly one in three malaria-related deaths, reports Daily Independent.
Children under five remain the most vulnerable group, underscoring the urgency of sustained interventions.
Uzoma Ezeoke, Executive Director of Emzor, stressed that malaria elimination demands more than sporadic campaigns. She emphasised the need for a resilient health system underpinned by strong pharmaceutical capacity.
“Local manufacturing is no longer optional; it is central to our national health security and the sustainability of malaria control efforts,” she said.
“We must build a system where high-quality, WHO-compliant antimalarials are produced locally to close access gaps and protect against global supply disruptions.”
The company underscored that success in eliminating malaria requires coordinated action across government, policymakers, development partners, and the private-sector investors.
Emeka Okoli, Chairman of Emzor Group, described local API production as the “next frontier” in Nigeria’s malaria response.
“Ending malaria sustainably requires pharmaceutical independence,” Okoli declared. “Investing in API manufacturing will strengthen the entire value chain, reduce reliance on imports, and position Nigeria as a regional hub while ensuring consistent access to life-saving medicines.”
He further noted that beyond improving availability, local production would generate employment opportunities and guarantee stricter quality control aligned with international standards.
Emzor highlighted its ongoing contributions, including expanding access to WHO-compliant antimalarial medicines and introducing child-friendly dispersible formulations designed to improve adherence and treatment outcomes among young children.
“Malaria continues to place a heavy burden on our most vulnerable populations, and our response must reflect that reality,” Ezeoke added. “Our focus is not just on producing medicines, but on ensuring they are practical, accessible, and effective for those who need them most, especially children and pregnant women.”
The company also emphasised preventive therapies for pregnant women, aimed at reducing complications for both mothers and their babies.
Okoli concluded with a rallying message: “Now is the time to move from commitment to execution. With the right investments and partnerships, Nigeria can build a self-reliant pharmaceutical sector capable of ending malaria. Now we can. Now we must act.”
