The Federal Government, represented by the Coordinating Health Minister, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has introduced Nigeria’s inaugural locally manufactured glucose meter facility – Colexa Biosensor Diagnostics manufacturing.
Representing a fully Nigerian-owned enterprise, Colexa Biosensor Diagnostics Manufacturing stands as a pioneering health technology company focusing on the domestic production of blood glucose meters.
This significant development follows the recent launch of the presidential Unlocking Healthcare Value Chain Initiative and the endorsement of the Health Sector Renewal Compact.
Professor Pate emphasised that this unveiling underscores the private sector’s innovative spirit and abundant resourcefulness.
Given the projection that non-communicable diseases, including the escalating prevalence of diabetes, may constitute 20-25% of Nigeria’s disease burden by 2030, Professor Pate outlined the government’s commitment to implementing policies and programs that alleviate financial burdens associated with timely diagnosis and treatment.
Colexa Biosensor’s capability to scale up production, from the existing 3.6 million packs per year to 10.8 million, surpassing local requirements, not only opens avenues for potential exports but also offers economic benefits such as job creation along the value chain.
The health minister emphasised the government’s dedication to stimulating private sector collaboration, attracting new investments in the nation’s healthcare delivery system.
The aim is to restructure health product manufacturing cycles to favour African and Nigerian markets, fostering health protection, job creation, and economic value.
Highlighting the significance of this development, the International Diabetes Federation reported in 2021 that 3.6 million Nigerian adults have diabetes, with a prevalence rate of 3.7%. Throughout the broader African region, 24 million people are affected, and this number is anticipated to rise to 55 million by 2045.
Considering the dependence of diabetics on blood glucose meters to measure and monitor their blood glucose levels, the local manufacturing of glucose meters ensures not only affordability and accessibility but also contributes to economic advantages for the country.
Currently, 3.6 million Nigerians with diabetes rely on imported foreign blood glucose meters, exposing them to market fluctuations and foreign exchange volatility.
Paving the Way for Diabetes Management with Local Innovation
The inauguration of Nigeria’s first locally manufactured glucose meter facility, Colexa Biosensor Diagnostics Manufacturing, marks a pivotal moment in the country’s healthcare landscape.
As the facility sets the stage for domestic production of blood glucose meters, it aligns with broader initiatives aimed at achieving health sector renewal and self-sufficiency.
The unveiling of Colexa Biosensor Diagnostics Manufacturing is not only a testament to the prowess of local innovation but also a strategic move in addressing the healthcare challenges posed by the rising prevalence of diabetes.
With an estimated 3.6 million Nigerian adults grappling with diabetes, the introduction of locally produced glucose meters is poised to enhance accessibility to essential monitoring tools.
This development underscores the government’s multifaceted approach to healthcare improvement. The commitment to unlocking new investments in healthcare delivery and restructuring the manufacturing cycle aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the resilience of the nation’s health system.
By promoting domestic production, the government aims to reduce reliance on imported medical devices, fostering economic sustainability and security.
Colexa Biosensor’s potential to scale up production and explore export opportunities positions Nigeria favorably in the global health technology market.
The government’s emphasis on creating economic value and generating employment along the value chain adds a layer of significance to the local manufacturing initiative.
As the facility progresses, collaboration between public and private sectors in the health industry becomes pivotal. Ensuring a conducive environment for private sector participation, coupled with supportive policies, will be instrumental in sustaining initiatives like Colexa Biosensor Diagnostics Manufacturing.
The government’s ongoing efforts to attract private sector investments and prioritise health product manufacturing for local and African markets exemplify a forward-looking strategy with potential long-term benefits for both healthcare and the economy.
