Vestergaard partners with Nigeria to establish insecticide-treated nets manufacturing hub

NIGERIA—Vestergaard Sàrl, a net manufacturer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Government, represented by the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC).

This agreement marks an important step toward establishing Nigeria as the first manufacturing hub for insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) in West Africa.

Additionally, it would be the first facility on the continent to produce dual-active ingredient nets, designed to combat insecticide resistance and bolster the fight against malaria.

The MoU paves the way for Vestergaard to form a joint venture with a local manufacturing partner, with possible financial backing from MedAccess, a social investor affiliated with British International Investment, the UK’s development finance institution.

The process of identifying a suitable partner is presently underway, subject to the satisfactory completion of due diligence, with discussions taking place with the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to investigate financing alternatives for the project.

If successfully launched, the joint venture aims to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that will serve as a flagship for ITN quality, bioefficacy, and industrial health and safety standards.

The facility is projected to produce 10 million PermaNet® Dual long-lasting insecticidal nets annually, both for domestic use in Nigeria and for international export.

In addition to its health benefits, the venture is expected to create around 600 jobs within Nigeria, contributing to the local economy.

Malaria remains a major health challenge, particularly for children under five, with a child dying from the disease nearly every minute.

Africa bears the brunt of the burden, accounting for almost 95% of global malaria cases, and Nigeria alone accounts for one-quarter of these cases.

Innovative solutions are urgently needed to improve access to proven and cost-effective tools like insecticide-treated nets, medicines, and vaccines.

Local production of these critical healthcare products has become a priority across the continent.

Speaking on the initiative, Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, emphasized the crucial step in the fight against malaria: increasing access to long-lasting insecticide-treated nets.

He stressed the need for prevention and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in mobilizing resources and expertise to combat the disease.

Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, National Coordinator of PVAC, reiterated this sentiment, noting that high standards in local production are non-negotiable.

He added that investments in local bed net manufacturing are not only improving health outcomes but also helping build a more self-sufficient healthcare system capable of withstanding global challenges.

He noted that the partnership with Vestergaard is a key milestone in achieving this goal for Nigerians and the broader West African population.

Michael Anderson, CEO of MedAccess, highlighted the life-saving potential of next-generation mosquito nets and emphasized the importance of regional manufacturing in ensuring timely, reliable, and sustainable access to these products.

He added that the agreement between Nigeria and Vestergaard demonstrates a significant commitment to protecting people from malaria while reinforcing supply chain resilience across the region.

Jim Polan, Vice President at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, underscored the role of DFC’s investments in enhancing health system resilience and diversifying supply chains in Africa.

He mentioned that DFC is exploring several opportunities to expand access to critical health products, including bed nets, to ensure the region is better equipped to combat malaria and other vector-borne diseases, especially in the face of climate change.

Amar Ali, CEO of Vestergaard, praised the Nigerian government’s leadership and commitment to fighting malaria.

He expressed his gratitude for the government’s engagement and support as Vestergaard and its partners work toward creating a cutting-edge facility that will set global standards in dual-insecticide net manufacturing.

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