FG Pushes Local Production Of Rapid Test Kits For Malaria, TB
The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to accelerate the local production of Rapid Diagnostic Test kits as part of measures to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare manufacturing capacity, improve access to quality diagnostics and reduce dependence on imported medical products.
The renewed push was announced following a strategic review meeting chaired by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, involving the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure and Troment Biotechnology Limited.
According to a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Health on Sunday, the meeting reviewed progress on the operationalisation of a local manufacturing facility for affordable Rapid Diagnostic Test kits and In-Vitro Diagnostics for malaria, tuberculosis and other priority diseases.
The ministry said participants assessed implementation milestones, resolved outstanding issues and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to fast-track local production in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Order on Increasing Local Production of Healthcare Products.
Speaking at the meeting, Pate underscored the importance of domestic production of diagnostic tools to Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“Local manufacturing of diagnostics is not just an economic priority; it is a health security imperative. We are removing every bottleneck to accelerate production and deliver affordable test kits to Nigerians”, the statement partly read.
To fast-track implementation of the project, Pate directed the immediate processing of the Advance Purchase Guarantee Agreement.
The statement said the minister also instructed the ministry’s legal and technical teams to “work with the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, NASENI and Troment Biotechnology Limited to conclude all outstanding legal and administrative processes.”
He further ordered regular implementation reviews to ensure the timely delivery of the manufacturing project.
The minister reiterated that expanding domestic production of essential healthcare commodities remains a major priority under the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, increased local production of Rapid Diagnostic Test kits and In-Vitro Diagnostics would not only improve access to quality diagnostic services but also strengthen Nigeria’s health security and industrial capacity.
The statement quoted him as saying that local production “will strengthen Nigeria’s health security, reduce dependence on imports, improve access to quality diagnostics, stimulate industrial growth, and create skilled employment opportunities.”
Rapid Diagnostic Test kits are widely used for the quick detection of diseases such as malaria and other infectious conditions, while In-Vitro Diagnostics comprise laboratory-based tests used to diagnose diseases, monitor treatment and support clinical decision-making.
Nigeria has historically relied heavily on imported diagnostic kits, a challenge that became more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic when global supply chain disruptions exposed vulnerabilities in the country’s healthcare system.
