Special ECHO Session November 2022: Local Manufacturing of Diagnostics in Africa

This special session focuses on critical enablers and barriers to local manufacturing of diagnostics in African member states. The African continent is heavily reliant on imported diagnostics. In times of crisis, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, the continent is at risk, as supply chains tend to satisfy local needs first.

True and equitable access to diagnostics will only be realised if local production is established and sustainable. However, there are many barriers to viability of local industry across the political economic social, technological, legal and environmental divide. In this session, we highlighted the success and barriers encountered by the Moroccan Foundation for Advanced Science (MAScIR) during their journey towards local production of diagnostics tests.

Presenters:
• Prof Hassan Sefrioui, Director and Member of the Executive Board, Moroccan Foundation for Advanced Science (MAScIR)
• Prof Abdeladim Moumen, Director of Diagnostic Kits and Medical Devices, MAScIR, and Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Moldiag