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| Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha among other high-profiled dignitaries |
A Kenyan Company has launched the first End to End Rapid Diagnostic testing Kit Manufacturing facility in Africa.
The Revital Health Care flagship project once fully operational will be able to supply 240 million test kits annually.
The plant which is owned by a Kenyan in Kilifi County has been co-funded by United States through USAID which invested more than 2 million US Dollars.
Currently, Revital Health Care is the largest manufacturer of Medical Equipment in Africa and is exporting to over 30 countries across the world.
United States Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman, USAID Mission Director David Gosney, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha among other high-profiled dignitaries were hosted by Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro in the inaugural launch at the manufacturing facility in Kilifi.
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha underscored the critical role of a resilient supply chain in ensuring the seamless availability and accessibility of essential health products and technologies (HPT).
Aligned with President William Ruto’s vision of advancing local manufacturing, she said the initiative aims to diminish reliance on imported Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) while fostering collaborative efforts across sectors.
“HPTs are pivotal in achieving Universal Health Coverage. Our Ministry’s mission is to secure HPTs through cost reduction, promoting local manufacturing, and refining public health procurement processes for enhanced efficiency,” affirmed CS Nakhumicha.
She said the Kits can test Malaria, HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B adding that revital also manufactures syringes.
The US Ambassador and her delegation first paid a courtesy call to the Governor’s office in Kilifi town before driving off to the launch and tour of the facility which has over 650 workers.
In her speech, the Ambassador said having the diagnostic testing kit manufacturing facility which is the first in Kenya was a game changer to the world.
“Revital is not just producing essential diagnostic tests they are rewriting the script on what’s possible when it comes to expanding access to quality health care in Africa,” she said.
“So, today’s inauguration is about building a new economy, through its partnership with the US government revital is building a diverse workforce in Kenya with over 80 percent of its 650 employees being women,” she said.
On his part, the Governor said the launch was a turning point for health care in Kilifi and entire Africa.
“We celebrate the establishment of Africa’s largest diagnostic manufacturing facility right here in Kilifi County this is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation and a shared vision for a healthier future,” he said.
He thanked the US embassy and USAID for their support which has enabled the success of the development of the facility.
Mung’aro said the facility will create jobs and offer opportunities for technological expertise which will boost the local economy.
Rajni Vora the Director of Revital Health Care said 2.2 million dollars was invested by revital while USAID funded them with 2.2 million US Dollars.
“Our aim is to bring testing lower because a local wananchi whose earning 300 or 400 shillings a day will not go to the rearrest village to go test themselves because he cares for the job first and to feed the family so what are they going to do they will buy my test kits and test immediately,” he said.
Revital Healthcare EPZ Ltd emerges as a trailblazer in East and Central Africa, manufacturing critical medical devices addressing respiratory challenges in neonates and infants without requiring electricity.
With respiratory distress claiming nearly 1.1 million neonatal lives annually globally, Revital’s breakthrough holds profound implications for pediatric healthcare.
By Dickson Wekesa