To mark World Malaria Day 2026, themed “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must,” Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited has called for stronger, coordinated efforts to eliminate malaria in Nigeria. The company emphasised the need to scale up local drug manufacturing, invest in key pharmaceutical inputs, and expand access to effective treatments, especially for children and other vulnerable groups.
Despite global progress, malaria remains a major health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria accounting for about 27 per cent of cases worldwide and nearly one-third of related deaths, according to the World Health Organization. Children under five are the most affected, making access to safe and effective treatments a critical priority.
Emzor stressed that achieving lasting malaria control requires strengthening local pharmaceutical production to ensure a steady supply of affordable, high-quality medicines. The company noted that reliance on imported drugs exposes the country to supply chain disruptions, which can hinder timely treatment.
Speaking on the issue, Executive Director Uzoma Ezeoke said local manufacturing is essential to national health security and sustainable malaria control. She added that Nigeria must close access gaps by producing World Health Organization-compliant antimalarial drugs domestically.
A major focus of Emzor’s advocacy is increased investment in the production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), the core components used in making medicines. Currently, most APIs are imported. Developing local capacity in this area, the company said, would strengthen the pharmaceutical value chain, reduce dependence on foreign markets, create jobs, and improve quality control.
Chairman of Emzor Group, Emeka Okoli, described API production as the next critical step toward pharmaceutical independence in Nigeria and across Africa. He said building this capacity is essential for achieving a malaria-free future.
Emzor also highlighted its ongoing efforts to improve access to treatment through locally produced, quality-assured medicines. Among these is Lokmal Dispersible Tablets, designed for children aged three months to five years. The tablets dissolve easily in water or milk, making them easier to administer and improving treatment adherence.
The company also referenced Maldox, used in preventive care for pregnant women, particularly through intermittent preventive treatment to reduce complications linked to malaria.
Ezeoke noted that tackling malaria requires solutions tailored to real-life conditions, especially for children and pregnant women who are most at risk. She said Emzor’s focus goes beyond manufacturing to ensuring that treatments are practical, accessible, and effective.
The company further called on government agencies, policymakers, development partners, and private investors to increase funding for pharmaceutical infrastructure and introduce policies that support innovation and local capacity development.
Okoli urged stakeholders to move from commitments to concrete action, stating that with the right investments and collaboration, Nigeria can build a self-reliant pharmaceutical sector capable of eliminating malaria.
As World Malaria Day 2026 is observed globally, Emzor reaffirmed its commitment to working with partners to improve public health outcomes and advance efforts toward a malaria-free Nigeria and Africa.
