Abbott, Afrimedical partner to boost local diagnostics production 

American multinational healthcare company, Abbott, has partnered with AfriMedical Manufacturing and Supplies Limited to boost local production of diagnostic products in Nigeria.

They stated that the collaboration was designed to improve access to quality diagnostic tools, reduce dependence on imports, and support Nigeria’s efforts to build a more resilient healthcare supply chain.

The partnership brought together Abbott, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Health Value Chain, and Afrimedical, a division of Mikano International Limited.

The collaboration will see Abbott localising production of its most advanced rapid diagnostic technology in Nigeria, including Abbott’s integrated Determine Antenatal Care (ANC) Panel, the first and only World Health Organisation prequalified diagnostic test that supports the triple elimination of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B virus.

The local production move by Abbott is also in line with the Federal Government’s target of increasing local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and vaccines in Nigeria to at least 70% by 2030.

Speaking at the Abbott localization reception ceremony held recently at the U.S. Consul General’s Private Residence in Lagos, stakeholders stressed that increased local production of diagnostics is critical to improving disease detection.

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, said medical industrialisation would help Nigeria address persistent challenges related to the availability and affordability of diagnostic products.

“What we are trying to achieve is medical industrialisation. We need to build local capacity. As a country of about 250 million people, we need a minimum level of supply security for essential medicines and healthcare products. That is what we are trying to achieve,” the minister, who was represented by PVAC National Coordinator, Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, said.

He noted the partnership was a direct result of a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Federal Government and Abbott in December 2024.

“The significance of today is that Abbott, one of the world’s largest life sciences companies, has come into Nigeria to localise production. Specifically, its rapid diagnostic testing division is establishing local production of test kits for HIV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and many other diseases.

“For us, this partnership brings several benefits. First, it creates jobs, particularly high-skilled jobs. It brings investment because capital is coming into the country to establish production facilities. It also enables technology transfer and drives innovation because the facility will produce some of the most advanced and modern diagnostic test kits, known as fourth-generation test kits.

“Nigeria is the first location outside the United States where Abbott is localising the production of these products. That is why it is highly significant. Another important aspect is that once production begins here, Nigeria becomes a manufacturing hub. Products made in Nigeria can then be exported across West Africa, which has a population of about 460 million people, and to the rest of the African continent. This is the first project of its kind that Abbott is undertaking in Africa. So, it is very significant,” the minister said.

Pate explained that Abbott’s localisation drive would send a strong signal that Nigeria is open for business in the healthcare sector.

Advertisement

“When companies like Abbott come to establish local manufacturing facilities, it demonstrates that the government is doing something right. What the government is doing is building an ecosystem and creating an enabling environment through policies, regulations, financing mechanisms, and other support structures that attract investors and encourage them to invest in Nigeria,” he said.

Also speaking, the Divisional Vice-President, Commercial Operations, Abbott Rapid Diagnostics, Mr. Rabah Elsayed, said the company believes that strong healthcare systems are built through strong local partnerships.

According to him, this collaboration reflects our commitment to improving access to quality diagnostics while supporting the development of local healthcare capacity.

Elsayed explained that diagnostics play a critical role in improving health outcomes across a range of priority health areas, including HIV and maternal and child health.

“Early and accurate diagnosis helps healthcare providers make timely decisions, connect people to appropriate care, and improve overall health outcomes. Expanding access to quality diagnostics can help support national health priorities, including efforts to reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV and other infectious diseases, and improve access to essential healthcare services,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria has demonstrated strong leadership in advancing healthcare transformation and local healthcare manufacturing.

“We have been at the forefront of diagnostic innovation for many years, including more than four decades of leadership in HIV diagnostics. What makes this partnership particularly powerful is the combination of Abbott’s global expertise with the capabilities, talent, and leadership of our Nigerian partners.

“Nigeria’s scale, talent, and commitment to healthcare development make it an important partner in building more sustainable and resilient healthcare systems and serving as a hub for West Africa,” he said.

Elsayed noted that localisation of Abbott in Nigeria will contribute to stronger and more resilient healthcare supply chains in the country.

Also speaking, the Group Chairman & CEO, Mikano International Limited, Mr. Mofid Karameh, said there was a need to boost local production of healthcare products to serve Nigerians better.

“Most importantly, we consider this sector a matter of national security. We learned valuable lessons during the COVID-19 pandemic when we could not find face masks, syringes, or many other essential medical supplies. We realised that we must be able to rely on ourselves. We need factories located in our own country to serve our people,” he said.

He said the COVID-19 lessons spurred the company into production of healthcare commodities.

“Today, AfriMedical can produce 1.8 billion syringes annually, which is enough to cover the needs of the entire West African region. Nigeria consumes between 400 million and 700 million syringes annually. This means we currently have surplus capacity of more than one billion syringes.

“At present, we are producing around 350 million medical cylinders, which is enough to meet demand across Africa. However, what is important is that we are building local capacity and protecting Nigeria from supply disruptions,” he said.

On the partnership, he said, “This is not just about business. The technology transfer that companies like Abbott bring is extremely valuable. Abbott is one of the largest healthcare companies in the world. We are honoured to have them as partners, and we are honoured that they chose to work with us. Most importantly, we know that we will learn a great deal from them, and that knowledge will help strengthen local manufacturing capacity in Nigeria.”

Advertisement

In his remarks, U.S. Consul General, Rick Swart, said Abbott’s decision to localise production in Nigeria highlights US commitment to transform the healthcare sector in Nigeria.

“Abbott’s decision to invest and deepen its footprint in Nigeria underscores the United States commitment to both the immense potential for transformative healthcare partnerships in Nigeria and opening the door to key markets for American companies on the continent,” Swart said.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health in Ogun State, Dr. Tomi Coker, said Abbott localisation in Nigeria would help in disease detection.

“What this means is that the technology for testing these diseases, which until now has resided outside Nigeria, particularly in the United States, will now be available locally. What this does for us is that it allows us to take ownership of the narrative around our healthcare system. It enables the production of more affordable medicines, medical devices, and diagnostic test kits. It creates employment opportunities for our people.

“What is happening today demonstrates how the government and the private sector can work together to ensure that Nigerians have access to affordable, high-quality medical products manufactured locally,” she said.

Copyright PUNCH

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.