Colexa Biosensor: Driving Global Healthcare with Technology in Nigeria

Colexa Biosensor: Driving Global Healthcare with Technology in Nigeria

The agony faced by Africans during the last pandemic bout is still fresh in our memories.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed a critical vulnerability in healthcare systems across Nigeria and Africa—the severe shortage and unavailability of essential medical consumables and drugs.

As the virus ravaged the continent, healthcare facilities faced unprecedented challenges in sourcing vital supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, and pharmaceuticals.

The strain on global supply chains and increased demand left many Nigerians and Africans grappling with the scarcity of life-saving medications and basic medical necessities. In Nigeria, 99% of medical devices are imported, and over 70% of the essential drugs and pharmaceutical products are imported.

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In recent years, Medical technology has become a burgeoning part of medicine. This led to a concerted effort across various fields of human endeavors to collaborate to ensure that Africans enjoy good health through technology. Gradually, medical technological services and products have simplified surgeries and tests at hospitals and within patients’ homes.

To enhance the quality of life of Africans, medical conditions such as Diabetes and High Blood Pressure, amongst others, need to be managed more regularly. However, many tools to check periodically are manufactured outside the country. This means that for every purchase, Nigerians and, indeed, Africans contribute to another country’s economy.

To stem the tide of this health products epidemic and the need to strengthen local production capacities thereby unlocking the healthcare value chain in Nigeria, Colexa Biosensor (www.colexabiosensor.com) has made significant strides in producing Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa’s first Blood Glucose Meters and Strips locally, bringing Africa into the global healthcare landscape.

The OnPoint Blood Glucose Meters and Strips by Colexa Biosensor is designed to combat the rising prevalence of diabetes on the continent. The innovative device aims to empower millions of individuals with diabetes with a locally produced and affordable means of monitoring their blood sugar levels improving ease of access for detection, effective management, and overall wellness.

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With an impressive installed capacity of 3.6 million packs and the potential to scale up to 10.8 million packs annually, Colexa Biosensor is strategically positioned to meet local demand and expand into international markets.

The initial focus will be in West Africa, leveraging subsidiaries, and reducing dependency on foreign exchange for raw material procurement.

Mr. Sammy Ogunjimi, the Executive Chairman of Colexa Biosensor Limited, emphasized the company’s commitment to Africa. He highlighted the goal of extending the impact of their solutions on the continent, making Nigeria a hub for in-vitro diagnostics.

The factory supports the presidential initiative on unlocking the healthcare value chain which focuses on stimulating local manufacturing, reducing the dependence on imports, and thereby reducing healthcare related costs.

The factory has received two Quality Management System certifications – the ISO 13485:2016 (IVD) Certificate and the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management certificate.

The OnPoint Blood Glucose Meter has equally undergone successful independent comparative evaluation through the Nigeria Medical Laboratory Science Council and other prestigious health institutions such as the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

Notably, this is the first factory in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa to manufacture IVD and Blood Glucose meters and strips, and the next step, which will be another first in Nigeria, is to package a WHO-pre-qualified HIV Rapid Test Kit.

Before the end of the second quarter of 2024, Colexa Biosensor is expected to start exporting its products to its offices across West Africa and subsequently to the rest of Africa to generate the much-needed foreign exchange for the Nigerian economy.

It is a giant stride towards transforming healthcare in Africa and fostering self-reliance in producing critical medical devices. This initiative has the potential to revolutionize healthcare in Africa by providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality diagnostic tools that will empower individuals to manage their health and strengthen healthcare systems across the continent.

As the OnPoint Blood Glucose Meter and Strips takes center stage, it’s clear that Colexa Biosensor is not just manufacturing health solutions; they are shaping a healthier and more resilient Africa.