Independent News Express

Tag: USAID

  • USAID Officially Shutdown Operations, Staff Quit Nigeria On Friday

    USAID Officially Shutdown Operations, Staff Quit Nigeria On Friday

    There are strong indications that all structures of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) will be formally closed down in Nigeria on Friday 7 February 2025 while all human resources and employees associated with the program quit the country with immediate effect.

    This is coming in the wake of the executive order by the recently sworn-in President of the United States, Donald Trump who stopped all foreign aid to African countries and other countries across the world.

    Nigeria is 6th among the top countries that are the highest beneficiaries of USAID. Reports say in 2023 alone, the most populated African nation, Nigeria received $1.02 billion, much of it through agencies like USAID.

    It was exclusively gathered Thursday night that top officials of the Federal Ministry of Health were in a marathon meeting to discuss the fate of various intervention programs of the USAID which have been seriously hampered by the unexpected action of President Trump.

    The Nigerian health sector will never be the same again,” an official of the Ministry who preferred anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the sensitive issue said.

    “The stoppage of USAID’s intervention in the area of primary healthcare services will leave a vacuum that we don’t know how this country will be able to manage. The intervention in tuberculosis, HIV-AIDS, Malaria, Polio and others has been stopped.

    “USAID in whatever capacity they are holding leaving Nigeria on Friday. This is official; USAID is officially shutting down on Friday,” the official said.

    Apart from the health sector, other areas in which USAID has been helping Nigeria include the environment, good governance, renewable energy, gender equality, conflict-affected areas in the north and importantly agriculture.

    It was gathered that with the exit of USAID intervention, Nigeria, with her vast human and natural resources, is now forced to look to Qatar, Japan and Canada for donations to take care of these critical sectors.

  • USAID, Swiss Pharma Achieve Milestone in Pharmaceutical Standards in Nigeria and West Africa

    USAID, Swiss Pharma Achieve Milestone in Pharmaceutical Standards in Nigeria and West Africa

    The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with Swiss Pharma (Swipha), has achieved a significant milestone in the pharmaceutical industry that will protect and save lives.

    Through technical assistance and partnership, USAID helped Swipha become the first pharmaceutical company in Nigeria and West Africa to receive World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification for two essential medicines. This accomplishment underscores the joint commitment to improving healthcare services and access to life-saving medicines across the region.

    For years, Nigeria has faced challenges in procuring life-saving medicines due to high costs and the inability of many local pharmaceutical companies to meet international standards. These barriers have limited access to quality healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.

    With USAID’s support, Swipha has not only attained the essential certification, but has also been recognized as the first pharmaceutical company in Nigeria and West Africa to comply with Good Manufacturing Practice standards as outlined by the WHO. This certification is a testament to the quality, safety, and efficiency of Swipha’s pharmaceutical products and processes.

    The newly certified pediatric Zinc Sulphate is crucial in reducing the severity and duration of severe diarrhea, a leading cause of mortality among children under five years old in Nigeria. Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine tablets—also manufactured by Swipha, and WHO-certified—are essential for preventing malaria in pregnancy, a significant contributor to child mortality in the country.

    With WHO prequalification, Swipha can now supply these essential medicines to organizations and governments globally, contributing to the improvement of child health and maternal care across Nigeria, the West African sub-region, and beyond.

    During her visit to the Swipha factory in Lagos, USAID Acting Mission Director Alexis Taylor-Granados remarked, “This achievement is a testament to the power of collaboration in improving healthcare in Nigeria. We are proud to have supported Swipha in reaching this milestone and look forward to continuing our partnership to ensure more quality medicines reach those who need them most. Together, we are building a healthier future for Nigeria.”