Pharmacists endorse new drug, use of insecticide-treated bednets for disease elimination

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has endorsed new malaria drug, Pulitem brand, produced by Publix Pharmaceuticals Nigeria limited.

Speaking at the product launch in Lagos, PSN President, Ahmed Yakasi, stated that all hands must be on deck to end malaria epidemic in Nigeria.

Yakasi noted Nigerians need to think deeply on how to live their lives as personal and environmental hygiene is very important and make use of insecticide treated mosquito nets to prevent themselves from malaria.

He said: “Nigerian should know that World Health Organisation (WHO) has slogan which is test, treat and track. WHO recommended artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) as the standard treatment for malaria worldwide. Artemisinin combined with other drugs provides a highly effective and safe cure for uncomplicated cases of malaria.

“Nigerians should go for medical test because every fever is on malaria and treatment without test might result to untimely death. People should try to visit their medical doctor whenever they fall sick for medical test and after the test and the person should look for registered pharmacy to buy drugs.”

Chairman Publix Pharmaceuticals Nigeria limited, Mr. Frank Owelle, said he decided to go into medicine manufacturing because he lost a friend to malaria some years ago. He stated his company has designed centres where the malaria drugs will be distributing free of charge in Lagos, Onitsha and Kaduna.

Director, of the pharmaceutical firm. Davies Akindele, said there is no better time to launch the product than this moment as WHO had designated 25 of April of every year as the World Malaria Day.

Akindele stated Publix Pharmaceutical Nigeria Limited has joined the fight against malaria by introducing into the Nigeria market, Pulitem brand of top of the high quality of ACT formulation as required by WHO.

Akindele noted Publitem brand contains Artemether and lumefantrin and is formulated in convenient dosing for adults and children. The tablet shape and size make it most suitable for patient compliance. The flavoured suspension is a children’s delight. “Publix is set to take the battle against malaria futher and collaborate with all stakeholders in the fight against this recalcitrant scourge.”