Cameron: Funding, partnership crucial to affordable anti-venom

The CEO of MicroPharm UK, Ian Cameron, has recently announced a groundbreaking partnership with AMA Medical Manufacturing to establish a facility in Nigeria to produce affordable anti-venom. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, Cameron revealed that the partnership would involve a significant investment of millions of dollars and several years of technology transfer to ensure the production of high-quality products. MicroPharm, a company with over 20 years of experience in the industry, has identified Nigeria as a key market for their products and aims to leverage this partnership to enhance local manufacturing capabilities. Cameron highlighted the importance of collaboration between public and private sector players in addressing the challenge of providing affordable anti-venom in Nigeria. He expressed optimism that the Ministry of Health would recognize the commitment of the private sector and allocate funding to ensure that life-saving products reach those in need, particularly the rural poor who often cannot afford them. Addressing the issue of investment appetite and the need to de-risk the environment for foreign investors, Cameron emphasized the importance of building trust and understanding between all stakeholders. He stressed the significance of promoting local content while attracting foreign investment to drive growth and innovation in the healthcare sector. Cameron underscored the long-standing partnership with ECLITAB study group as a testament to the benefits of collaboration and highlighted AMA Medical's dedication to the healthcare sector as a positive indicator of their commitment to the partnership. As the partnership progresses, Cameron remains hopeful that the collaboration with AMA Medical will lead to the establishment of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Nigeria that meets international quality standards. The transfer of technology and expertise from MicroPharm to AMA Medical will enable local staff to manufacture high-quality anti-venom, ensuring that life-saving products are readily available and affordable to the Nigerian market. The innovative approach taken by MicroPharm and AMA Medical reflects a strategic shift towards promoting local manufacturing and enhancing access to essential healthcare products in Nigeria. With a strong focus on partnership, investment, and technology transfer, the collaboration holds the promise of transforming the landscape of anti-venom production and distribution in the region, ultimately saving lives and improving public health outcomes.