By ABUJAH RACHEAL

The Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) has entered a transformative partnership with Abbott Rapid Diagnostics (Pty) Limited.

The partnership is to localise the production of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) in Nigeria.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Wednesday in Abuja by PVAC?s National Coordinator, Dr Abdu Mukhtar, and Abbott?s Vice President for Europe, Middle East, and Asia, Dr Rabah El Menshawy.

It represents a significant stride in boosting Nigeria?s capacity for high-quality healthcare delivery.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the collaboration is poised to support Nigeria?s ambitious goal of eradicating HIV infections by 2030 through accelerated development and local manufacturing of RDTs.

Mukhtar highlighted the importance of the partnership.

According to him, this agreement is a milestone in our journey toward self-reliance in healthcare.

He said that localising RDT production would not only reduce dependency on imports but also create jobs and enhance healthcare affordability for Nigerians.

?The initiative underscores the critical role of public-private partnerships in achieving PVAC?s mission to deliver affordable and high-quality healthcare products nationwide.

?By empowering local industries and enhancing diagnostic capabilities, the collaboration is set to revolutionise Nigeria?s healthcare landscape and serve as a model for other African nations,? he said.

With this agreement, he said that Nigeria edged closer to closing healthcare gaps and achieving universal health coverage, reinforcing its commitment to tackling critical health challenges through innovation and collaboration.

Meanwhile, El Menshawy emphasised Abbott?s commitment to strengthening healthcare systems globally.

?This partnership aligns with Abbott?s vision of improving access to life-saving diagnostics and fostering sustainable healthcare solutions in Africa,? he said.(NAN)

?PHOTO: Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, PVAC?s National Coordinator, and Abbott?s Vice President for Europe, Middle East, and Asia, Dr Rabah El Menshawy.

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