Codix Bio, a WHO‑licensed diagnostics factory in Nigeria, has started production of 147 million rapid diagnostic test kits for HIV, malaria and tuberculosis. Production began this month, and the company says around 70 per cent of manufacturing content is sourced locally, while key inputs such as “uncut sheets” and enzymes are imported.
This is the first time an African facility will make these kits at this scale. The kits do not need elaborate laboratory equipment or reliable electricity, so they can be used in remote communities and give quick results for better disease management. Africa carries the world’s highest burden of these diseases, and demand for testing is large.
Codix Pharma, which runs the facility, aims to source all components domestically within five years. Mary Ogangwu, the chief operating officer, said the kits can be trusted and are affordable. The company has provided rigorous training, obtained ISO certification, and will host a technology transfer partner to build capacity. Codix plans to reach 90 per cent local content by 2027 and 100 per cent by 2030.
Difficult words
- diagnostics — tests and tools to find diseases or problems
- manufacturing — process of making goods in a factory
- import — to bring goods into a country from abroadimported
- facility — a building or place for a specific use
- elaborate — complicated or needing a lot of equipment
- enzyme — a protein that helps chemical reactions in cellsenzymes
- certification — official confirmation that standards have been met
- technology transfer — sharing technical knowledge between organisations or partners
- local content — parts or materials produced in the same country
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think local production of test kits will improve access to health care in remote areas? Why or why not?
- What difficulties might Codix face when trying to reach 100 per cent local content?
- Would you trust rapid test kits produced locally if they had ISO certification and training? Explain briefly.
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