UCL Kenya Becomes First African Malaria Drug Manufacturer To Recieve WHO Pre-qualification

By Mansurat Zakari 

 WHO pre-qualification or the pre-qualification of a medicine by WHO, refers to the process where a medicine or medicinal product is vetted for quality, safety, and effectiveness. 

Africa still bears a disproportionate share of the global malaria burden. Thus, having a WHO-prequalified malaria drug manufactured in Africa is a big public health milestone. 

UCL, Universal Corporation Limited, a leading Kenyan Pharmaceutical obtained WHO pre-qualification for its sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine plus amodiaquine (SPAQ) product in October 2023.

This is its second pre-qualification for a malaria drug, the first being SP, used in the prevention of malaria in pregnant women. 

SPAQ is a combination therapy that is effective in the prevention of seasonal malaria in children. 

 WHO's pre-qualification of the drug is a testament to the company's commitment to producing high-quality medicines that meet international standards. 

It is also a recognition of the growing capacity of African pharmaceutical companies to produce medicines of need.

According to Perviz Dhanani, UCL's founder and managing director, "UCL is committed to advancing the fight against malaria and improving the health and well-being of communities across Africa."

Africa imports over 60% of all of the medicines used in disease prevention. The rise of pharmaceuticals taking the bull by the horns to fill this need is a big step forward for Africa. 

The ability to manufacture or source medicines and deliver them to patients within proximity means progress in getting rid of obstacles blocking improvements to the health of the population. 

UCL plans to expand the production and distribution of SPAQ with the partnership of the Medicines for Malaria Ventures. 

Medicines for Malaria Ventures is a non-profit organisation that aims to reduce the burden of malaria globally. It operates a product development partnership working together with pharmaceuticals in malaria endemic regions. 

African pharmaceuticals face several challenges in producing medicines that meet the needs of the population. With MMV, UCL is one of the five pharmaceuticals working to reduce the malaria burden in Africa with locally manufactured medicines. 

Other African Pharmaceuticals like Emzor and Swipha are likely to receive WHO pre-qualifications for malaria drugs in the coming months.