The World Health Organisation (WHO) has approved Codix Group, a subsidiary of Colexa Biosensor Ltd, to package a WHO Prequalified Rapid Diagnostic Test kit at its factory in Nigeria.

Colexa Biosensor, following the approval, is allowed to locally package the WHO Prequalified HIV Rapid Diagnostic Test in the country.

A statement on Wednesday by Codix Group explained, “The milestone positions Nigeria as a key player in advancing healthcare production capabilities and improving access to life-saving diagnostics.”

It stated that the Standard Q HIV 1/2 Ab 3-Line Test is now the first WHO Prequalified HIV RDT approved for packaging within Africa, marking a historic feat for the continent.

The statement explained that the accomplishment reflects the company’s dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure and aligning with the President’s vision to enhance local manufacturing and innovation.

It said that since its commissioning in December 2023, Colexa Biosensor has earned recognition from global health organizations, including WHO, Global Fund, UNITAID, FIND, and PEPFAR. The factory’s operational capacity represents a significant step toward reducing dependence on imports, improving access to high-quality In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs), and fostering Nigeria’s healthcare value chain.

The statement noted that the approval also paves the way for procurement opportunities by Nigeria and international donors, further boosting local and global efforts to combat HIV.

Codix Group expressed its pride in achieving this milestone and reaffirmed its commitment to elevating healthcare standards across the nation and beyond.

It explained that the achievement is expected to inspire further investment in local healthcare production, signaling a brighter future for the industry in Africa.