A healthcare firm, Codix Group, has received World Health Organisation approval to package a prequalified Rapid Diagnostic test kit locally.

In a statement, Codix Group, a subsidiary of Colexa Biosensor Ltd, noted its approval signalled a breakthrough for healthcare in the country as it marked the first time a WHO Prequalified HIV RDT will be packaged within Africa.

Codix Group further described the approval as a step in advancing local healthcare production and expanding access to life-saving diagnostics, stating, “The Standard Q HIV 1/2 Ab 3-Line Test is now the first WHO-prequalified HIV RDT approved for packaging within Africa, marking a historic feat for the continent.”

The company said this development aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of boosting local manufacturing and innovation.

Further, Codix Group stressed that the approval represented a leap forward in reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imports, improving access to high-quality in vitro diagnostics, and strengthening the country’s healthcare value chain.

“This approval also paves the way for procurement opportunities by Nigeria and international donors, further boosting local and global efforts to combat HIV,” the statement further read.

The approval is expected to attract more investment in Nigeria’s healthcare production, setting a precedent for similar innovations across the continent.

Codix Group expressed pride in its achievement, reaffirming its commitment to enhancing healthcare standards nationwide and beyond.

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