Why the World Needs Pharmaceutical Capabilities

It has been over five years since the world faced the devastating impact of COVID-19. Even today, as we reflect on those times, we are still reminded of our vulnerabilities. A recent statement by the World Health Organisation caught my attention, it declared that the next pandemic is not a possibility, but an epidemiological certainty. It may happen in the next 20 years or even sooner.

But it’s not just pandemics we need to prepare for. Around the world, new diseases continue to emerge. For example, Mumbai is now experiencing microclimate zones with temperature differences as high as 13°C within the same city, a result of the intensifying Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect.

Across Africa, the surge in health emergencies continues. These developments highlight our growing vulnerability to heat stress, respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, and the rapid spread of infectious diseases, all unfolding within already fragile healthcare systems.

The Fabtech Perspective: Building Resilience through Pharma Capabilities

Fabtech’s strength lies in pharmaceutical engineering capabilities that contribute to building stronger, more resilient healthcare systems. Every country has its unique set of health challenges, and our mission is to empower pharmaceutical manufacturing plants with robust infrastructure and turnkey solutions that enable better access to life-saving medicines.

1. Nigeria

Nigeria shoulders a heavy disease burden, with malaria accounting for 30% of global malaria-related deaths. Though rates of tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS are declining, they remain persistent challenges. Childhood immunisation coverage is still far below the 90% target. Nigeria is also likely to become the third most populous country by 2050, yet over half its population lives below the poverty line, making healthcare unaffordable for many.

Fabtech has supported over 40 pharma projects across Nigeria, including partnering with Me Cure, Sun Pharma (Ranbaxy), and the University of Lagos. Our turnkey offerings have enabled the production of high-quality medicines in pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, thus bringing critical therapies closer to those who need them most.

2. Algeria

Algeria grapples with rising rates of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and heart disease. A growing threat is antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which undermines the effectiveness of treatments for infections, threatening humans, animals, and food systems alike.

With over 36 + installations, Fabtech has supported critical oncology and biosimilar facilities in Algeria. These include fully integrated pharmaceutical setups with advanced isolators, biosafety cabinets, and processing equipment adhering to (GMP) good manufacturing practices guidelines for pharmaceuticals.

By focusing on oncology and biosimilar production, Fabtech is enabling Algeria to develop effective solutions to critical biologics and enhance Algeria’s fight against AMR.

4. Egypt

Cardiovascular disease is Egypt’s leading cause of death, driven by poor dietary habits, hypertension, obesity, and tobacco use. Cancer cases are also on the rise. Chronic respiratory illnesses, kidney diseases, hepatitis B, and diabetes further strain the healthcare system. 18% of adults currently live with diabetes, with numbers expected to rise to 20 million by 2045.

From setting up COVID-19 facilities to executing prominent veterinary drug and vaccine projects, Fabtech supported Egypt with top-tier pharma engineering systems that elevate productivity, quality, and efficiency.

5. Jordan

Non-communicable diseases account for nearly 80% of all deaths in Jordan, with cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory conditions at the forefront.

Fabtech has delivered engineering solutions in OSD (oral solid dosage) facilities, BSL-3 labs, and general medicine plants. These facilities are equipped with our clean air solutions and purified water systems, ensuring batch consistency, contamination control, and alignment with local and international regulatory requirements for safety and high-quality output.

6. Saudi Arabia

Each year, more than 22,000 people in Saudi Arabia die from non-communicable diseases, i.e., about 35% of total deaths. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancers like breast and colorectal are particularly concerning and are often detected late. Chronic respiratory conditions like asthma are also common and worsened by environmental factors.

One of our standout projects is the Sudair Pharma facility, a centre for oncology OSDs and injectables featuring our bio-cleanroom and cleanroom containment solutions. Beyond Sudair Pharma, Fabtech is involved in setting up vaccine plants, API units, and oncology expansions, supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to become a pharmaceutical manufacturing hub.

The Fabtech Commitment: Strengthening Local Healthcare Ecosystems

Fabtech’s mission aligns directly with the need for a stronger healthcare infrastructure. With over 30 years of experience across 60+ countries, we support local governments, private firms, and global healthcare, as well as pharma and biopharma leaders, by delivering turnkey pharmaceutical projects. With end-to-end engineering solutions, we help build pharmaceutical manufacturing and R&D facilities.

Our goal is clear – to make essential medicines more accessible and affordable through advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities. Our engineering solutions help stabilise supply chains, improve compliance with GMP standards, and enhance patient safety.

Looking Ahead

We may never know how the next pandemic will knock on our door. It may arrive silently or like an environmental trigger. We believe that every country deserves a healthcare system that can withstand future shocks. Strengthening global health requires a united focus on resilient healthcare systems, driven by pharmaceutical capabilities that can meet today’s needs and anticipate tomorrow’s threats.

Through smart and efficient infrastructure, we aim to make healthcare systems more sustainable and equitable.

Pharma capability is an absolute necessity. And we’re here to build it. Let’s get connected.