August 2, 2024
Abuja – The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and the Federal Republic of Nigeria announced today the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) under the Nigerian Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC).
The MOU establishes a collaborative framework between PVAC and USP to advance equitable access to quality health products in Nigeria, supporting the industrial development of the nation’s life sciences and healthcare services sectors.
“Unlocking the healthcare value chain is not just an option for Nigeria, but a strategic necessity,” said Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, PVAC National Coordinator. “Working with USP to build on their existing excellent work in Nigeria is therefore a step in the right direction, and a game changer in our quest to support and build the capacity of our local manufacturing ecosystem.”
Chaired by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, HE Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, PVAC aims to create an ecosystem that supports domestic manufacturing, reduces reliance on medical tourism, and fosters innovation in health technology and services.
“USP is proud to support the Nigerian government in strengthening its pharmaceutical sector and domestic manufacturing base,” said Dr. Jude Nwokike, USP Vice President and Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Promoting the Quality of Medicines Plus (PQM+) program. “This MOU with USP builds upon a deep history of collaboration, including a decade-long partnership and support provided through the USAID-funded PQM+ and predecessor program which have helped position Nigeria as an emerging hub for health product manufacturing.”
USP plans to collaborate with PVAC on key initiatives including expanding the capacity of Nigerian manufacturers to achieve international quality standards including WHO prequalification, enhancing capacity for manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients, development of bioequivalence capacity, supporting export of Nigeria manufactured pharmaceuticals, and quantifying pharmaceutical workforce needs.
Media Contact: mediarelations@usp.org
About USP
USP is an independent scientific organization that collaborates with the world's top experts in health and science to develop quality resources and standards for medicines, dietary supplements and food ingredients. This includes actively collaborating with academic research centers, industry, and regulators to help with the adoption and implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies. Through our resources, standards, advocacy and education, USP helps increase the availability of quality medicines, supplements and foods for billions of people worldwide. For more information, visit: www.usp.org.