Microhaem Scientifics is proud to stand at the forefront of a historic milestone in Uganda’s healthcare journey, the official launch of the use and national rollout of locally manufactured diagnostic test kits for HIV, Malaria, and Sickle cell disease
The major milestone was during the national official launch of the use of locally manufactured diagnostic test kits for HIV, Malaria, and Sickle cell disease, namely Kwiq Test (HIV-1/2), Malaria Pf-Xpat(HRP2/pLDH), and MicroScreen -Sickle Cell Test under the Build Uganda, Buy Uganda (BUBU) Initiative.
The event also marked the launch of a locally developed HIV testing algorithm, which integrates these domestically produced kits into the national HIV testing framework. This development will see the locally manufactured kits systematically adopted within national diagnostic protocols, enhancing timely diagnosis, reducing dependence on imports, and improving access to essential testing services across the country.
Uganda is already producing locally manufactured diagnostic kits, procuring them through national systems, and distributing them to health facilities across the country. This progress aligns health sector investments with broader national priorities, including industrialization, job creation, strengthening domestic supply chains, and promoting innovation and research.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health said the country is transitioning from dependence on imported diagnostics to developing its own solutions.
“We are here to bridge a critical gap in our health system, the transition from being a consumer of global diagnostic products to a producer of our own solutions,” she said, emphasizing that locally made products must meet global standards.
The new system follows a clear step-by-step testing process to ensure results are accurate and reliable for every individual.
First, a health worker uses the MHS HIV 1/2 Kwiq Test Kit as the initial screening test. This is a quick and simple test that helps identify people who may have HIV.
If the result comes back positive, it is not considered final immediately. A second test, the HIV 1/2 Stat-Pak, is then carried out to confirm the result and rule out any chance of error.
In the rare event that the first and second tests give different results, a third test, the SD Bioline HIV 1/2 is used as a final decision-maker (tie-breaker) to determine the correct outcome.
This approach ensures that HIV testing in Uganda is highly accurate, reliable, and safe for patients, as no single test result is taken in isolation. By using multiple tests to confirm each diagnosis, the system minimizes errors and builds confidence in the results, while also demonstrating that locally made medical solutions can meet national and international standards
The Managing Director of Microhaem Scientifics, Dr. Cedric Akwesigye, expressed sincere appreciation to the Government of Uganda for its unwavering support, particularly H.E. the President, the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister, the leadership of the Ministries of Health and Finance, the National Medical Stores, and health workers across the country for embracing and championing this transition towards locally manufactured health solutions.
He authoritatively added that the day’s milestone reflected His Excellency the President’s long-standing vision and commitment to championing local manufacturing in Uganda, and extended his sincere congratulations to the President for driving that transformative agenda.
