A major health breakthrough is on the horizon after Merck, a leading German science and technology company, signed a landmark agreement with Universal Corporation Ltd, a pharmaceutical firm based in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, for the local production of a new pediatric drug to combat bilharzia (schistosomiasis).
The partnership, announced during a Merck delegation’s visit to Kenya between October 27 and 31, marks a pivotal step in advancing Kenya’s capacity to manufacture essential medicines locally. It is backed by the Ministry of Health under the government’s drive to promote self-reliance in pharmaceutical production and strengthen healthcare delivery.
Speaking during the signing event held at Universal Corporation Ltd on October 29, 2025, the Head of the Neglected Tropical Diseases Program at the Ministry of Health, Wycliff Omondi, lauded the collaboration, describing it as “a vital step toward achieving universal health coverage and eliminating neglected diseases.”
“This partnership with Merck and Universal Corporation aligns with our vision to build local capacity, strengthen healthcare systems, and ensure sustainable access to essential medicines,” said Omondi.
Kenya remains among the African countries most affected by schistosomiasis, with over six million people infected and 15 million more at risk, mainly in regions around Lake Victoria and western Kenya. Children in fishing communities bear the heaviest burden, often suffering from stunted growth, anemia, and organ damage caused by the parasitic infection.
The pediatric formulation developed by the Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium, co-founded and led by Merck—targets children under six years, a group not previously included in global mass treatment campaigns.
Universal Corporation CEO Palu Dhanani termed the deal a “transformative milestone” for Kenya’s healthcare and manufacturing sectors, noting that it would create jobs, enhance skills, and position Kenya as a regional hub for medicine production.
“Through technology transfer and capacity building, we are laying the groundwork for sustainable production of life-saving medicines,” said Dhanani.
Merck’s Head of China and International and member of the Healthcare Executive Committee, Hong Chow, underscored the company’s commitment to Africa’s health agenda, saying:
“This collaboration combines global innovation with local expertise. By enabling local manufacturing, we ensure that treatment for bilharzia becomes both sustainable and accessible.”
The German Ambassador to Kenya, Sebastian Groth, commended the initiative, noting that Germany remains committed to strengthening Kenya’s health sector amid declining foreign aid from global partners.
“This partnership delivers both health and economic benefits supporting industrial growth while ensuring vulnerable communities access the medicines they need,” said Groth.
The locally produced bilharzia medicine will play a key role in supporting Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) plan and the National Neglected Tropical Diseases Master Plan (2023–2027), which seeks to eliminate schistosomiasis through prevention, treatment, and local production.
As the collaboration takes shape, Kiambu County cements its place at the centre of Kenya’s growing pharmaceutical landscape, marking a significant stride in the country’s journey toward health independence and industrial transformation.
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