In a groundbreaking development for the health sector in Africa, Revital Healthcare today unveiled its state-of-the-art rapid test kit production facility in Kilifi, Kenya (Africa).

Equipped through a co-funding mechanism between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Revital Healthcare, the facility will have the capacity to produce 20 million test kits a month.

These test kits include HIV-1/2, Malaria P.f/Pan, HCG, Hepatitis B/C, Dengue, and Syphilis among others. Revital Healthcare is the first end-to-end manufacturer of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) across Sub-Saharan Africa, with these kits intended to reach a population of over a billion across the continent.

The launch event was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, Kilifi County Governor Gideon Maitha Mung'aro, Kenya EPZA Chairman Richard Cheruiyot, and other delegates from Kenya and Internationally.

Speaking at the launch U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman noted, “Revital's Rapid Diagnostic Test manufacturing facility, the first of its kind in Kenya, is a game-changer. By bringing cutting-edge technology and local expertise together under one roof, Revital is not just producing essential diagnostic tests, they're rewriting the script on what's possible when it comes to expanding access to quality healthcare in Africa.”

On his part Revital Healthcare Chairman noted Rajni Vora, “Our goal is to ensure that we produce testing technology that is efficient and affordable across the continent. We have expanded to become the largest manufacturer of medical devices on the African continent with a manufacturing capacity of 2.1 billion medical devices per year, including manufacturers of Africa’s 1 st USFDA certified and patented auto-disable syringes.

Adding “Revital Healthcare is currently exporting our products to over 29 countries globally as our team focuses on ensuring our global expansion to support communities across Africa with high-quality and affordable medical devices .”

 Like other developing countries, Kenya’s health system is burdened by communicable and non-communicable diseases, and the country faces one of the highest prevalence of non-communicable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa.

 Kenya is a promising market for medical devices and has been ranked as one of the fastest-growing markets in the sub-Saharan Africa region based on reports from the World Bank.

Health Cabinet secretary Susan Nakhumicha applauded the launch of the new facility saying it will help in reducing cost of purchasing the medical kits.

“We were used to exporting these kits from outside but I believe now it will cheaper to get them since they will be locally produced” said Nakhumicha.

Adding” This new facility will also offer jobs to our youths.”

Nakhumicha further reiterated government support towards the local manufacturers.

Nakhumicha stated “I would like to assure you of our support. This launch is completely aligned with the government agenda of increasing and supporting local manufacturers.”

USAID’s partnership with Revital Healthcare will see the company significantly increase its production volumes which will in turn boost export volumes to Uganda, Tanzania, DRC, South Sudan, and Congo while establishing a commercial presence in Nigeria and Ethiopia through product registration and certification.

Additionally, the facility will create 200 new full-time jobs with 80% being women while having a focus on speech and hearing-impaired individual.