Codix Group, a subsidiary of Colexa Biosensor Ltd, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by securing approval from the World Health Organisation (WHO) to package a WHO Prequalified Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kit at its facility in Nigeria. This development marks a significant leap forward for the country’s healthcare production capabilities and efforts to combat HIV.
The approval enables Colexa Biosensor to locally package the WHO Prequalified HIV Rapid Diagnostic Test, known as the Standard Q HIV 1/2 Ab 3-Line Test. According to a statement released by Codix Group on Wednesday, this is the first WHO Prequalified HIV RDT to be packaged within Africa, heralding a historic achievement for the continent.
“This milestone positions Nigeria as a key player in advancing healthcare production and improving access to life-saving diagnostics,” the statement read.
The accomplishment underscores Codix Group’s dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure and aligns with the federal government’s vision to bolster local manufacturing and innovation. Since its commissioning in December 2023, Colexa Biosensor has garnered recognition from prominent global health organizations, including WHO, Global Fund, UNITAID, FIND, and PEPFAR.
The company emphasized that this approval represents a significant step toward reducing reliance on imports, improving access to high-quality In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs), and enhancing Nigeria’s healthcare value chain. The statement also highlighted the potential for increased procurement opportunities by Nigeria and international donors, reinforcing efforts to combat HIV locally and globally.
Codix Group expressed pride in this achievement, reaffirming its commitment to elevating healthcare standards across Nigeria and beyond. The company anticipates that this success will inspire further investment in local healthcare production, signalling a promising future for the industry in Africa.
With this approval, Nigeria is set to become a major hub for innovative healthcare solutions, paving the way for a more self-reliant and efficient healthcare system.
