Fidson Healthcare Plc has entered into a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum with three Chinese companies—Jiangsu Aidea Pharma, Nanjing PharmaBlock, and the China-Africa Development Fund—aimed at increasing access to HIV medications across Africa.
The agreement was signed in Beijing during a visit led by Dr. Fidelis Ayebae, founder and Managing Director of Fidson Healthcare.
The collaboration will focus on establishing a new joint venture pharmaceutical plant in Nigeria, leveraging the strengths of all four entities. Dr. Ayebae emphasized that this partnership would enhance treatment accessibility for Nigerians and other Africans living with HIV.
“This initiative aims to foster self-reliance in healthcare delivery in Africa, particularly in combating HIV,” he stated. “All parties will share information and resources, explore investment opportunities in the West African pharmaceutical market, and implement cooperative projects.”
The signing followed earlier discussions, including a visit from Dr. Heliang Fu, Chairman of Jiangsu Aidea Pharma, to Nigeria earlier this year. During that visit, Dr. Fu toured the Lekki Free Trade Zone, the selected site for the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, which is expected to significantly impact the pharmaceutical landscape in Nigeria and Africa.
“This partnership exemplifies international collaboration in addressing critical medical challenges,” Dr. Fu remarked. “The upcoming facility will serve as a hub for pharmaceutical excellence, leveraging the strategic location and infrastructure of the Lekki Free Trade Zone to promote economic growth and improve healthcare.”
Dr. Ayebae highlighted that this initiative could address the healthcare needs of over 1.9 million people living with HIV in Nigeria. “We are optimistic that the combined strengths of all partners will revitalize the healthcare delivery sector in Africa, particularly for those affected by HIV,” he added.
Fidson Healthcare, listed on the Lagos Stock Exchange, has seen its stock decline by 24.6% this year, with a valuation of N30.3 billion.
