Uganda Begins Local Manufacturing of HIV Self-Test Kits to Lower Costs

Uganda has officially embarked on the local manufacturing of HIV self-test kits, a milestone expected to widen access to testing and shield the country from global supply chain disruptions. Zakayo Industries Limited commissioned its in-vitro diagnostic manufacturing facility in Ntenjeru, Mukono District, in a collaborative effort with the US-based OraSure Technologies.

Under the partnership, the plant assembles and packages OraQuick HIV self-test kits, which allow individuals to screen for HIV using oral fluid samples without needing a health worker or drawing blood. Plant managers revealed that production capacity has scaled up from 10,000 kits per eight-hour shift in June to between 50,000 and 60,000 kits daily.

The initiative is projected to drive down the retail price of the kits from between Shs25,000 and Shs30,000 down to Shs7,000, making self-testing significantly more affordable. While public health facilities continue to distribute the kits for free, the commercial availability at a lower cost aims to bridge critical testing gaps.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Zakayo Industries CEO Ronald Zakayo Watanda noted that the venture creates local employment and positions Uganda as a regional exporter, highlighted by an immediate first consignment sent to Kenya. John Ballester, Senior Director for International Diagnostics at OraSure Technologies, explained that shifting production closer to the African market eliminates lengthy supply chains that previously spanned the United States and Thailand.

Ministry of Health officials welcomed the development, noting it addresses barriers such as stigma, privacy concerns, and inconvenience. Dr. Charles Olaro, the Director General of Health Services, pointed out that Uganda’s HIV prevalence stands at 5.9 percent, with an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 citizens still unaware of their status. Authorities emphasized that any reactive self-test result must still be confirmed at a recognized health facility.

Looking ahead, Zakayo Industries employs over 120 workers and holds ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certifications. The company plans to transition from assembling and secondary packaging to full primary manufacturing by 2028, while also exploring diagnostic tools for hepatitis, sickle cell disease, and Ebola.

Read the original story on the Daily Monitor.