Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, a major player in the pharmaceutical industry in Africa, has expressed its unwavering commitment to eradicating malaria completely from Nigeria and, by extension, sub-Saharan Africa.
The company reiterated this commitment on Friday through its Chairman, Board of Directors, Mr Emeka Okoli, in commemoration of this year’s World Malaria Day, observed globally every April 25.
According to him, Emzor is resolute in supporting efforts by both state and non-state actors within and outside Nigeria aimed at combating the high malaria burden in sub-Saharan Africa.
He noted that this year’s World Malaria Day theme, “Malaria ends with us: Reinvest, reimagine, reignite,” closely aligns with the company’s vision of making a tangible impact in the global fight against the disease.
While disclosing that the company has been at the forefront of malaria prevention and treatment—producing high-quality antimalarial medications that are both accessible and affordable—Okoli added, “Our dedication is reflected in our investment in research, development, and wide-reaching distribution networks, which have played a crucial role in reducing the malaria burden.”
As part of its activities for this year’s World Malaria Day, the company organised a series of community outreach events, including a health walk, free medical screenings, and the distribution of antimalarial drugs to vulnerable populations.
Malaria continues to be a leading cause of death among pregnant women and children under five in Africa.
Emzor’s long-standing initiatives in malaria control include the production of essential antimalarial drugs aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
The company currently produces over 20 antimalarial drugs, including Maldox (Sulfadoxine/Pyrimethamine), Lokmal (Artemether/Lumefantrine), Piramal TS (Dihydroartemisinin/Piperaquine), Diasunate (Artesunate/Amodiaquine), and Chloroquine, in various dosage forms such as tablets, suspensions, and dispersible tablets.
The company’s multimillion-dollar investment in the manufacture of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) at its new plant in Sagamu, Ogun State, further underscores its commitment to combating the disease in Africa.
“So, with the initial production of antimalarial APIs including Artemether, Lumefantrine, Sulfadoxine and Pyrimethamine, we’re convinced that the project will substantially reduce the country’s dependence on imports from Asia, support GDP growth, reduce the demand for foreign exchange, and lower the cost of production and access to medicines by the people who need them.”
He emphasised that the fact that approximately 95% of all malaria cases and 96% of malaria-related deaths occur in Africa points to the disease being predominantly an African problem, hence the need for solutions to originate largely from the continent.
“That is why we are playing our part, and pioneering the API project on the continent definitely fits into this,” Okoli stressed.
Also speaking, the Head of Marketing and Strategy, Mr Kunle Faloye, highlighted other activities Emzor is undertaking to combat malaria, especially in Nigeria.
According to him, “Emzor works in partnership with local governments, NGOs, and communities to implement grassroots outreach programmes focused on education, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
“The company continues to provide subsidised and free medications to pregnant women and children, the groups most vulnerable to malaria.”
He, however, promised that the company would continue to innovate, collaborate, and invest in sustainable healthcare solutions that enhance lives across Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
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