*Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, restates the agency’s commitment to developing innovative solutions that improve lives and position Nigeria as a leading healthcare manufacturing hub in Africa
Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect
Mr Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), in Nigeria, has reiterated the agency’s commitment to strengthening the country’s healthcare sovereignty through local manufacturing of medical diagnostic technologies.
Halilu made the remark while hosting participants of the Harvard University-led Science of Defeating Malaria programme at a closing dinner in Abuja at the weekend, following their visit to the NASENI-TROMENT Biotechnologies Factory, where they commended the facility’s role in advancing disease control and healthcare innovation in Africa.
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The delegation, led by Professor Dyann F. Wirth of Harvard University and comprising about 85 global health professionals, scientists and policymakers, toured the state-of-the-art facility and described it as a significant step towards combating malaria and other infectious diseases across the continent.
NASENI, in a statement, noted the EVC/CEO, while speaking at the dinner, said that the commendation further validated the vision behind the NASENI-TROMENT Biotechnologies Factory, a strategic project initiated 18 months ago to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported diagnostic kits and strengthen local healthcare manufacturing capacity.
The Executive Vice-Chairman explained the facility is designed to produce up to 600 million diagnostic kits annually, enough to meet about 80 per cent of Nigeria’s diagnostic testing needs while creating opportunities for export to other African countries and global markets.
The factory manufactures rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) products under the N-CheckUP brand for diseases and conditions including malaria, hepatitis B and C, HIV, typhoid, syphilis, COVID-19, pregnancy and blood glucose monitoring.
According to Halilu, the project aligns with NASENI’s broader mandate of deploying science, technology and innovation to address national challenges, create jobs and build industrial capacity.
He expressed appreciation to Professor Wirth and members of the Harvard delegation for their recognition of the progress made at the facility.
Halilu as well reaffirmed NASENI’s commitment to developing innovative solutions that improve lives and position Nigeria as a leading healthcare manufacturing hub in Africa.
The Science of Defeating Malaria programme, which was held in Abuja from June 7 to 13, brought together global experts committed to advancing strategies for malaria elimination and strengthening public health systems worldwide.
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