Universal Corporation Ltd (UCL), a Strides Pharma Science Limited (Strides) enterprise, with support from MMV, becomes the first African manufacturer to gain WHO prequalification for their sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine + amodiaquine product.
Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine + amodiaquine is a combination drug used to prevent malaria in children living in areas of seasonal malaria transmission.
UCL, a leading Kenya-based pharmaceutical manufacturer, supported by Medicines for Malaria Venture , has received prequalification from the World Health Organization for its product, SPAQ. This historic achievement makes UCL the first Africa-based manufacturer to attain WHO prequalification for this life-saving malaria treatment.
SPAQ is a vital component in the fight against malaria, particularly through SMC programmes. Timely delivery of SPAQ is critical, considering its administration must sync with the seasonal period of peak malaria transmission and involves the distribution of millions of doses to multiple African countries. The logistical complexity of SMC delivery campaigns is amplified by the large number of children requiring this preventive medicine.
UCL's new status as a manufacturer of prequalified SPAQ has the potential to ensure that more children will be protected during the rainy season. Until recently, WHO recommended SMC only for children from 3 months to 5 years old. However, in June 2022, WHO updated its guidance to recommend this intervention for any child at high risk of severe malaria in areas of seasonal malaria transmission.
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