By Duncan Mboyah
A prominent German science and technology firm, Merck, has pledged to share technology for manufacturing medication used to treat schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, in Kenya.
The collaboration will facilitate the local, large-scale manufacturing of arpraziquantel, a newly developed pediatric version intended for children in Africa between the ages of three months and six years.
Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is among the most severe neglected tropical diseases, resulting from parasitic worms and transmitted through exposure to polluted freshwater.
Around the world, the illness impacts over 250 million individuals, and Africa bears the greatest responsibility.
Hong Chow, who leads China and International operations at Merck, stated that the company has established formal partnerships with Universal Corporation Limited, a Kenyan pharmaceutical company, to enhance its ability to ensure continuous access to medication, allowing the African region to depend on locally manufactured treatments.
She mentioned that the collaboration focuses on eliminating schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical illness that continues to pose a significant global public health issue, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Chow mentioned that after entering into a collaboration agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2007, the company has been producing praziquantel in Germany and providing it free of cost in Sub-Saharan Africa.
"We are undertaking this initiative to boost African pharmaceutical manufacturing, in line with the regional drive for health self-reliance amid decreasing global health financing," she stated during a meeting with representatives from Universal Corporation Limited in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.
She mentioned that this action represents a significant advancement in regional production capacity and sustained health security.
The official stated that cooperation goes beyond medicine, as it includes the exchange of knowledge, technical skills, and strengthening Kenya's position as a regional leader in pharmaceutical advancements.
"We at Merck are dedicated in the long run, integrating research and development, sustainable access strategies, and local collaborations to ensure that medicines are available to all who require them," Chow stated.
Palu Dhanani, the Chief Executive Officer of Universal Corporation Limited, mentioned that the pharmaceutical company, which was established in 1996, has previously created medications through partnerships with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), along with other significant collaborations.
Dhanani mentioned that his company was prequalified by WHO in 2011 and has been involved in manufacturing pediatric anti-HIV generic medications. These medicines have been distributed across 22 African nations.
"We are capable of fulfilling the standards established by Merck. Our team of 500 employees includes medical doctors and pharmacists," he mentioned.
Dr. Wickliffe Omondi, Assistant Director of the Kenya National Public Health Institute and head of Vector Borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases, expressed appreciation to Merck for choosing to invest in Kenya, highlighting that the nation is home to 17 of the 21 neglected diseases recognized by the WHO.
He mentioned that Merck has consistently provided praziquantel medication, which is utilized for treating children in the 16 Kenyan counties with a significant disease prevalence.
Dr. Omondi mentioned that among the 17 neglected diseases in Kenya, bilharzia is common, found in the Western, Eastern, Lake Victoria, and Coastal areas, as well as in specific hotspots in the North Eastern part of the country.
"In 2012, Kenya initiated a large-scale campaign aimed at controlling and eliminating the disease, which is spread by a parasite present in water," he noted.
Dr. Omondi pointed out that during its chronic stage, bilharzia impacts individuals' productivity by affecting the reproductive system.
He noted that Kenya completed its burden assessment using the WHO classification last year via a detailed survey at the ward level.
He mentions that the survey took place in 1,450 wards within healthcare centers and five primary schools located in areas where the illness is common.
Sebastian Groth, the German envoy to Kenya, states that Germany continues to be dedicated to aiding the healthcare system both directly and via the private sector.
Groth highlights that because of global political shifts, resources are now limited, which underscores the need for the private sector to play a role in addressing health issues.
"This collaboration between a German pharmaceutical company and a Kenyan pharmaceutical company is significantly enhancing Africa's ability to produce medicines," he states.
Universal Corporation Limited is set to begin large-scale production of arpraziquantel after finishing the technology transfer from Merck.
After production is set up and the regulatory process is finished, Universal Corporation Limited will be ready to provide services across sub-Saharan Africa, ensuring sustainable, locally based access starting from 2028.
Dr. Karim Bendhaou, who leads Merck's Africa Bureau, states that the collaboration highlights the company's dedication to cooperating closely with African producers, regulatory bodies, and health officials to develop common capabilities.
"We are pleased that Kenya is building the infrastructure, skills, and regulatory standards necessary to turn Africa's manufacturing future into a reality," says Dr. Bendhaou.
He notes that Kenya is demonstrating that when science, local communities, and collaboration align, African leadership can take the lead in combating neglected tropical diseases.
Dr. Bendhaou points out that Merck is focusing on building local capabilities to guarantee that Africa's advancements in healthcare remain sustainable and are driven by Africans.
"We are getting ready to produce praziquantel on a large scale after finishing Merck's technology transfer," he adds.
The official states that once manufacturing is set up and regulatory processes are finalized, his company will distribute throughout SSA, ensuring sustainable, locally sourced availability starting from 2028.
Arpraziquantel is being introduced via implementation research studies as part of the Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium's ADOPT program, aiming to determine the most effective methods and channels for reaching young children.
This involves participation in community-driven mass drug administration initiatives and child health events.
The movement of technology to Universal Corporation Limited enhances local knowledge, generates qualified employment opportunities, and boosts Kenya's pharmaceutical industry.
Manufacturing drugs locally leads to quicker availability and reduces reliance on international donor supply networks that might originate from producers located thousands of miles apart.
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