The government through the Ministry of Health has procured a first consignment of malaria testing kits from a locally based manufacturing company.
The company, Microhaem Scientifics (MHS), with the able partnership of Uganda Development Bank (UDB), successfully dispatched the kits to National Medical Stores. This partnership is supported by a 10-year offtake guarantee from the government through the Ministry of Health.
UDB Managing Director Patricia Ojangole described the event as a significant milestone in the future of Uganda’s locally manufactured goods.
“The test kits manufactured by MHS are not just a product but a symbol of hope, resilience, and the bright future of Ugandan ingenuity,” Ojangole said.
She emphasized that these kits will play a critical role in improving the country’s healthcare system and saving lives.
The diagnostic kits, developed by MHS, the first diagnostic manufacturing plant in the Great Lakes Region, will enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and convenience of malaria, HIV, and sickle cell diagnosis in Uganda. The move is expected to bridge the employment gap and reduce Uganda’s reliance on imported medical supplies.
UDB financed the MHS project with over USD 7 million, allocating the funds for asset finance and the purchase of raw materials. The project aligns with UDB’s strategic goal to support the growth of manufacturing enterprises in Uganda, which includes promoting import substitution and export growth.
Dr Cedric Akwesigye, MHS Managing Director, expressed gratitude towards UDB for financing the project, giving the MHS the confidence to pursue its ambitious goals.
“Despite taking this proposal to many banks, UDB saw the true potential of this development project,” said Akwesigye.
The company, which is ISO-13485 certified for in vitro diagnostics, employs 423 permanent staff and 27 temporary staff. Its achievements resonate far beyond the borders of this celebration, as they provide a sustainable solution to Uganda’s healthcare challenges through locally manufactured diagnostic kits.
The partnership with UDB also extends to the broader pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. In partnership with Deseret Laboratories, Microhaem is expanding its manufacturing capabilities, with future plans to produce a wide range of healthcare products, including hematology reagents, vaccines, and drugs for conditions like hypertension and TB.
In November 2023, President Museveni commissioned the first diagnostic test kit manufacturing plant in the Great Lakes region.
During the event, President Museveni voiced enthusiasm about Africa’s potential to grow its local pharmaceutical industry.
He emphasized that the region’s growing population represents a vast market for health-related products and services, further solidifying the importance of this initiative for both Uganda and Africa at large.
