Codix Bio, a WHO‑licensed diagnostics factory in Nigeria, has begun production of 147 million rapid diagnostic test kits for HIV, malaria and tuberculosis. Production started this month with about 70 per cent local manufacturing content; some essential inputs, including “uncut sheets” and the enzymes used on them, are still imported.
The scale is unprecedented for an African facility. The kits do not require elaborate laboratory equipment or reliable electricity, so they can be deployed in remote communities and provide quick results that improve disease management. For decades the continent relied mainly on imported kits, while Africa still carries the highest global burden of HIV, malaria and neglected tropical diseases.
Codix Pharma, which runs the site, says it aims to source all components domestically within five years. Mary Ogangwu, the chief operating officer, noted the company has provided rigorous training and obtained ISO certification, and that a technology transfer partner will join for several months to build capacity. The firm was chosen in May as the WHO Health Technology Access Pool programme’s first African manufacturing partner and plans to reach 90 per cent local content by 2027 and 100 per cent by 2030 once enzymes are produced locally.
The move follows recent USAID funding cuts that contributed to shortages at hospitals and health centres; before the cuts, USAID distributed 11.8 million malaria test kits across Nigeria in 2023 and invested more than US$6 billion in the country’s HIV/AIDS response. Observers call for governments to buy more domestic supplies and remove trade barriers. Codix is opening offices across nine African countries, a step that could reduce shortages, lower costs and strengthen regional pandemic preparedness.
Difficult words
- diagnostic — tool or process used to identify diseasediagnostics
- enzyme — protein that speeds up chemical reactionsenzymes
- manufacture — process of making goods on a large scalemanufacturing
- deploy — send or place equipment for usedeployed
- shortage — lack of enough supply or resourcesshortages
- certification — official confirmation of meeting required standards
- technology transfer — sharing technical skills and production methods
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could more domestic production of test kits change healthcare in remote communities? Give reasons from the text.
- What challenges might Codix face when trying to produce enzymes locally by 2030?
- Should governments prioritise buying domestic medical supplies to avoid shortages? Explain with examples from the article.
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