promoting inclusive malaria drug development: lessons from african-led research partnerships for equitable access and local capacity cuilding
1
Independent Researcher, Abuja, Nigeria
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
malaria remains a significant public health challenge in nigeria, with northern states like kebbi, sokoto, and zamfara experiencing high prevalence rates (49%, 37%, and similar in children under 5, respectively, per 2021 nigeria malaria indicator survey [nmis]), while southern states such as anambra, abia, and akwa ibom report lower burdens (5-30% access to interventions). to address inequities in drug access and build local capacity, african-led partnerships are essential for sustainable malaria control. this aligns with the congress theme of “health without borders: equity, inclusion, and sustainability,” particularly the equity in public health and health systems strengthening tracks, by bridging north-south divides for health equity without borders.
METHODS:
using public dhis2 data (nigeria health management information system, 2020-2025) and nmis/mics reports, we analyzed malaria incidence (e.g., 299/1000 population at risk in 2023) and intervention coverage across selected northern and southern states. we reviewed medicines for malaria venture (mmv)’s equitable partnerships framework, including who prequalification of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (sp) by swipha (2024), and african networks like pamafrica for local r&d leadership.
RESULTS:
dhis2 data show persistent high incidence in northern states (e.g., kebbi: 53,277 confirmed cases in oct 2022), with barriers like stockouts (25% in zamfara facilities, 2023). southern states face access gaps (e.g., anambra: 27% itn access). mmv-supported nigerian manufacturing increased local sp supply, enabling procurement of 5 million doses in 2025 and potentially reducing northern stockouts by 15-20% based on hmis trends. partnerships built capacity for 11 african scientists via pamafrica, fostering inclusion of marginalized regions.
CONCLUSIONS:
african-led drug development partnerships promote equitable access by localizing production and addressing regional disparities, ensuring sustainability in high-burden areas. key lessons include prioritizing local manufacturing to build capacity and reduce costs recommendations for scaling could avert thousands of deaths and align with universal health coverage goals, advancing health equity without borders.
malaria remains a significant public health challenge in nigeria, with northern states like kebbi, sokoto, and zamfara experiencing high prevalence rates (49%, 37%, and similar in children under 5, respectively, per 2021 nigeria malaria indicator survey [nmis]), while southern states such as anambra, abia, and akwa ibom report lower burdens (5-30% access to interventions). to address inequities in drug access and build local capacity, african-led partnerships are essential for sustainable malaria control. this aligns with the congress theme of “health without borders: equity, inclusion, and sustainability,” particularly the equity in public health and health systems strengthening tracks, by bridging north-south divides for health equity without borders.
METHODS:
using public dhis2 data (nigeria health management information system, 2020-2025) and nmis/mics reports, we analyzed malaria incidence (e.g., 299/1000 population at risk in 2023) and intervention coverage across selected northern and southern states. we reviewed medicines for malaria venture (mmv)’s equitable partnerships framework, including who prequalification of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (sp) by swipha (2024), and african networks like pamafrica for local r&d leadership.
RESULTS:
dhis2 data show persistent high incidence in northern states (e.g., kebbi: 53,277 confirmed cases in oct 2022), with barriers like stockouts (25% in zamfara facilities, 2023). southern states face access gaps (e.g., anambra: 27% itn access). mmv-supported nigerian manufacturing increased local sp supply, enabling procurement of 5 million doses in 2025 and potentially reducing northern stockouts by 15-20% based on hmis trends. partnerships built capacity for 11 african scientists via pamafrica, fostering inclusion of marginalized regions.
CONCLUSIONS:
african-led drug development partnerships promote equitable access by localizing production and addressing regional disparities, ensuring sustainability in high-burden areas. key lessons include prioritizing local manufacturing to build capacity and reduce costs recommendations for scaling could avert thousands of deaths and align with universal health coverage goals, advancing health equity without borders.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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