Uganda Health Ministry Approves Local HIV, Malaria, and Sickle Cell Test Kits for Nationwide Use

Uganda’s Ministry of Health has officially approved test kits for HIV, malaria, and sickle cell disease, manufactured locally by Microhaem Scientifics. The approval followed successful testing and endorsement by the National Drug Authority (NDA).

Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng announced this at the kits’ launch in Kampala on April 2. She confirmed that national testing protocols have been updated to include these kits, allowing their use alongside imported options in health facilities.

Dr. Susan Nabadda, commissioner for laboratory and diagnostic services, highlighted that the kits address major public health challenges. Previous launches occurred, but full rollout awaited completion of all regulatory processes. Thanks to the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda (BUBU) initiative, the government has procured and distributed them to facilities.

State Minister for Trade Wilson Mbadi emphasized economic benefits, noting Uganda’s annual need for 15 million HIV kits and 30 million malaria kits, mostly imported at high costs. Local kits cost $0.6 (Shs2,234) each, half the $1.5 (Shs5,584) price of imports, reducing foreign exchange outflows.

Microhaem Scientifics’ managing director, Dr. Cedric Akwesigye, stated the company will keep producing these products to tackle both health and economic issues. It now employs 700 scientists.

Official data shows 1.5 million Ugandans live with HIV, malaria claims about 16 lives daily, and 20,000-25,000 babies are born yearly with sickle cell disease.

Source: Daily Monitor