Abuja: Nigeria has commenced local production of next-generation dual-active ingredient insecticide-treated mosquito nets, marking a significant step in strengthening malaria prevention and enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities. The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare announced this development in a statement on its official X handle, which was obtained by News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the facility known as Health Textiles Nigeria FZE, wholly owned by Vestergaard S rl, is the first in Nigeria to manufacture these advanced mosquito nets. The statement highlighted that the facility would produce PermaNet® Dual, a mosquito net specially designed to tackle the escalating issue of insecticide resistance and prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2023.
The facility is projected to reach full capacity with an annual production target of 10 million nets, simultaneously creating over 600 jobs. Currently, about 80 employees have been recruited and are undergoing training in various aspects such as manufacturing excellence, product quality, occupational health and safety, and regulatory compliance.
Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, emphasized that this development aligns with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), which aims to enhance the healthcare value chain through investment, local production, and bolstered domestic capacity. Pate highlighted the collaborative efforts of government policy, private-sector investment, and technology transfer in achieving this milestone.
The establishment of Health Textiles Nigeria stems from a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding between Vestergaard and the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), which focused on strengthening local production of essential health products. Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, the National Coordinator of PVAC, noted that this initiative demonstrates how investment, technology transfer, and government policy can result in productive capacity and skills development.
Amar Ali, Vestergaard’s Chief Executive Officer, expressed satisfaction in commencing production in Nigeria, acknowledging the Federal Government’s support and emphasizing the synergy between Vestergaard’s manufacturing expertise and Nigerian talent.
This development is crucial as Nigeria continues to bear a significant portion of the global malaria burden. The statement cited WHO estimates that malaria was responsible for 282 million cases and 610,000 deaths globally in 2024, with the African Region accounting for the majority.
Health Textiles Nigeria is expected to fulfill its first commercial orders soon, expanding Nigeria’s capacity to locally produce malaria prevention commodities. The statement also stressed the importance of maintaining strong quality assurance, regulatory oversight, and safety standards to support domestic production. The federal government is committed to furthering strategic investments, technology transfer, and skills development to fortify Nigeria’s healthcare value chain.