Kenya manufacturer is first in Africa to get WHO approval for malaria drug

A Kenyan pharmaceutical company, Universal Corporation Limited, has become the first manufacturer in Africa to receive World Health Organization (WHO) approval to produce a lifesaving malaria drug. The antimalarial drug, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine plus amodiaquine (Spaq), is frequently used to prevent seasonal malaria in children during months of peak transmission periods such as rainy seasons. Previously, demand for drugs such as Spaq in Africa has been met through the importation of generic versions of the medicine from India and China. "This WHO pre-qualification is a significant step toward reducing the over-reliance on imported drugs and strengthening Africa's self-sufficiency in providing essential healthcare…