In a historic move towards healthcare independence, President Yoweri Museveni on Tuesday November 29, inaugurated Microhaem Scientifics (MHS), an advanced diagnostic manufacturing facility located in Ntinda, near Kampala. This momentous occasion marks Uganda’s leap into self-reliance by producing high-quality yet cost-effective HIV and malaria test kits.
The President commended the visionary initiative of MHS Managing Director Dr. Cedric Akwesigye, hailing it as a catalyst for modernizing Uganda’s economy and fostering sustainable development. Addressing a crowd at the facility’s commissioning, Museveni underscored the importance of such investments in breaking free from dependency, emphasizing the abundant market potential in Africa.
Strategic Financing Boosts Entrepreneurship
The $25 million facility received crucial financing from the Uganda Development Bank (UDB), further solidifying the government’s commitment to supporting local entrepreneurship. With an injection of $6.3 million from UDB, the initiative exemplifies the nation’s dedication to providing affordable development capital for homegrown ventures.
President Museveni assured that the government, through the Ministry of Health, will prioritize the procurement of test kits from MHS. This commitment aligns with the broader vision of supporting and promoting local innovation. Museveni also urged MHS to focus on research for the development of additional homemade molecular and diagnostic devices.
MHS’s collaboration with leading international partners, including Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech Co., Ltd (China) and Deseret Laboratories Inc (US Based), positions Uganda as a key player in the global health sector. The facility, constructed in strict adherence to World Health Organization (WHO) standards, has received accolades for its commitment to quality.
Dr. Akwesigye, in his address, emphasized the facility’s potential to significantly boost Uganda’s economy by addressing the annual $83 million gap in diagnostics funding. He called for government support through off-take guarantees, import restrictions, and tax exemptions to ensure the retention of revenue within the country.
Dr. Akwesigye appealed to President Museveni to facilitate market access in East Africa and other African countries. The facility, he believes, has the capacity to surpass income generated from coffee exports, positioning Uganda as a leader in healthcare innovation on the continent.
Uganda’s strides in self-manufactured diagnostics is expected to not only fulfill critical healthcare needs but also propel the nation towards economic resilience and global recognition in healthcare innovation. The MHS facility stands as a symbol of Uganda’s commitment to health, innovation, and self-reliance.
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