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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 24225, member: 2262"] Uganda has launched its first locally made malaria test kits, marking a major shift from imported diagnostics. The Ministry of Health cleared the kits for delivery to National Medical Stores. Microhaem Scientifics (MHS), based in Uganda, created these rapid diagnostic tests. The company stands as the first maker of such kits in Sub-Saharan Africa. Health official Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze warned about fake test kits in the market. "There are fake kits that wrongly diagnose people, putting lives at risk. We must ensure only high-quality, verified diagnostic tools are available," he said. Uganda faces a large gap in medical testing funds. The country needs $200 million yearly for public health diagnostics but receives only $117 million. Each year, 12 to 14 million Ugandans need disease tests, with half requiring malaria checks. National Drug Authority head Dr. David Nahamya praised the achievement. "This is Uganda's first facility of its kind in the region. The WHO has commended the quality of our kits," he said. MHS director Dr. Cedric Akwesigye said the new tests cost less than $1 compared to imported kits that cost $1.50 or more. The company can make 85 million kits yearly. The government ordered 4 million kits, meeting 30% of annual needs. Financial support came from multiple sources. Uganda Development Bank invested $7.5 million. Bank chief Patricia Ojangole called it "a testament to Uganda's remarkable potential in healthcare manufacturing." President Museveni opened the manufacturing plant last November. He praised local scientists for advancing Uganda's medical independence. "The market is part of the business. In the next 30 years, Africa's population will be 2.5 billion," Museveni said. The project aims to cut testing costs and create jobs. Private clinics charge about 5,000 shillings per malaria test. Local production should reduce these fees and ensure better access to testing. [/QUOTE]

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