Journal of Public Health and Diseases

Access to essential medicines, particularly antiretrovirals (ARVs) and antimalarials, is fundamental to the control of HIV/AIDS and malaria in Nigeria. International donors such as the Global Fund and USAID have significantly supported the country’s health sector through funding and procurement of these commodities. However, donor procurement policies often prioritise international suppliers holding World Health Organisation (WHO) prequalification or U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. This preference, while aimed at ensuring quality, frequently excludes qualified local manufacturers who are certified by Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Such policies, though well-intentioned, may inadvertently constrain the growth of local pharmaceutical capacity and undermine national goals for a resilient and self-sustaining health supply chain. This study investigates the extent to which donor procurement guidelines affect local manufacturers’ participation in the supply of ARVs and antimalarials in Nigeria. It further examines the implications for national drug security, health system sustainability, and local industry development. A mixed-methods design was employed, comprising quantitative data from 40 procurement officers in donor-funded NGOs and qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with 10 key stakeholders, including local manufacturers, donor representatives, and regulators. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS for descriptive and correlation statistics, while thematic analysis was applied to qualitative responses. Findings indicate that over 85% of donor-funded procurement is awarded to international suppliers, primarily due to certification requirements. Local manufacturers, despite meeting national regulatory standards, are often excluded due to lack of WHO/FDA certification, limited access to donor tenders, and insufficient technical support. Additionally, international competitive bidding and long-term framework agreements disadvantage domestic firms. The study concludes that current donor procurement policies, while safeguarding quality, limit local pharmaceutical participation. It recommends technical assistance for WHO prequalification, conditional waivers for NAFDAC-certified firms, and policy reforms to promote local sourcing and enhance national drug security.