It’s giving Santa
US is trying to fix Nigeria’s health problem
Happy Friday, Big Brains. I hope you have a national grid wahala-free weekend. Share this edition with a friend to claim that prayer.
-Margaret
Word count: ~ 1,100
Reading time ~4 mins
Let’s get into today’s edition:
The US government wants to fix Nigeria’s malaria problem
Lassa fever might be spreading again
Nigeria’s inflation rate is likely going to increase
The Big Deal
The US government wants to fix Nigeria’s malaria problem
Nigeria and malaria go together so bad. That’s not the kind of statement anybody is hyped to hear in big 2024, but here we are. The United States government wants this type of talk to reduce so it’s pumping major dollars into Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector to cover our shame.
On Tuesday, November 12 the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced that it will buy $2.3 million worth of malaria tablets from Swiss Pharma Nigeria
If you’re wondering why this money which is obviously huge enough to soft launch you into generation wealth is being invested in malaria drugs, here’s the short answer: health is wealth. The money will give communities in Nigeria and other West African countries access to malaria medicines.
Why is this a big deal?
USAID is killing three big birds with one stone, and we love to see it. America has some of the best pharmaceutical companies in the world, so USAID could have easily imported some malaria meds, done small giveaway and moved on but it partnered with a Nigerian pharmaceutical manufacturer to invest directly in the country’s pharmaceutical sector.
In September, we shared how the Federal Government decided to produce 70% of medicines locally after discovering that over 50% of imported drugs in Nigeria had fake certificates. It’s easy to underestimate locally produced medicines, but FG has been working hard to ensure that these drugs match global standards. So far, Swiss Pharma is the first pharmaceutical company in West Africa to be recognised by WHO for producing globally acceptable malaria medicines so there’s no better company to invest in than Swiss Pharma.
This investment, although it seems to be directly benefitting Swiss Pharma, is also going to do the whole country some good. You’ve read enough about Nigeria’s national gbese to know that we must start milking all our money-making sectors. Right now, a million-dollar win for one Nigerian sector is a win for all sectors– this USAID partnership will put solid dollar bills in FG’s pocket, and that can be poured back into boosting local medicine production.
We’re particularly advocating for Made in Nigeria drugs because not only is it going to reduce our chances of unaliving because of fake drugs, but it’s also going to provide more jobs for Nigerians. Yayy us!
The best part is that the locally-produced drugs from the money are going to the people who cannot afford them according to USAID.
So, new jobs, big bag for FG, and fewer fake medicines in Nigeria – sounds like something only Santa can pull off.
Lassa fever might be spreading again
2024 has been a challenging year for the health of many Nigerians – first, it was cholera, and now we have what is suspected to be a Lassa fever outbreak.
On Thursday, November 14, the Oyo State Ministry of Health confirmed that it had shut down two hospitals in the Saki West area of the state after healthcare professionals raised concerns over a possible Lassa fever outbreak. This was shortly after the Oyo State Rapid Response Team (RRT) confirmed four deaths believed to be related to the disease
Some members of the local communities where these deaths were recorded called authorities to report “mysterious deaths,” and health officials have been investigating the possible cause of death since then. The investigation is still ongoing, but so far, they’ve already established the possibility that someone who recently returned from the Iwajowa area of the state may have unknowingly brought Lassa fever to Saki.
This update from Oyo isn’t particularly shocking because the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) discovered in October 2024 that there had been an increase in recorded Lassa fever cases, particularly in Edo and Ondo states. At the time, NCDC said, “The country is witnessing a surge in Lassa fever cases, with the total number of infections in 2024 rising to 1,018 across 28 states.”
We don’t want to send you into panic mode, but familiarising yourself with its symptoms and preventive measures is not a bad idea. The first symptoms to look out for are fever, headache, and muscle pain. In severe cases, it can cause facial swelling and bleeding. The experts say the best way to avoid this fever is by practising good hygiene and storing your food properly (away from rats and other rodents).
You'll be the first to know if the outbreak is confirmed in Oyo state.
Nigeria’s inflation rate is likely going to increase
When motivational speakers say “Like a phoenix, I rise”, we don’t expect Nigeria’s inflation to be taking it this seriously, but it is. At least, that’s what the gurus are saying.
Financial experts predict that inflation, which spiked to 32.7% in September, will likely rise again soon.
Why?
The finance bros say it’s still the same old culprit— fuel subsidy removal. Petrol prices have been on the rise lately, affecting the cost of production of everything else. From manufacturing to basic logistics, everything has become more expensive.
Another culprit is the rise in food prices. Nigeria has been struggling with poor harvests due to severe flooding and drought. As a result, the country has been relying on food importation since Nigerians obviously still have to eat whether crops grow or not. It’s not only enough that we now have to buy food outside, Naira’s weakening value has also been making these imported goods more costly, adding to the inflation burden.
What’s worse is that it keeps getting harder to control the prices of imported food because the country’s stability is so unstable. As the currency loses value, importing goods becomes more expensive, and because Nigeria relies heavily on imports for basic items, any currency liability immediately impacts the prices consumers pay. Except a miracle strengthens the naira’s knees, the currency’s value fluctuation will keep affecting everything from food to basic items, making the country more vulnerable to price hikes from international markets.
We’ll probably be in your inbox a few weeks later to say we told you so, or not. We honestly want to be proven wrong so badly.
The Big Picks
Gov Okpebholo Orders Immediate Freezing Of Edo State Bank Accounts: Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has ordered all state-owned bank accounts to be frozen immediately, and they will stay that way until further notice.
Trump Fills Out Cabinet As Divisive Picks Shock Washington: Everyone was paying attention to Donald Trump’s transition team on Thursday after he made surprising and bold cabinet picks that showed he valued loyalty more than experience or expertise.
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