Kenya will start using the first locally Developed Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test Kit to detect malaria cases, the Ministry of Health says.
This follows unveiling of the test kits at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) by President Uhuru Kenyatta in July 2021.
Addressing the press in Nairobi, ministry of health Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Rashid Aman said, this came after the Pharmacy and Poisons Board approved utility of the kit.
Aman says, this move will see render Kenya more self-sufficient in the local production of products used in healthcare amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The President also made an announcement of the attainment of the first local manufacturer of Malaria medicines who has now attained the World Health Organization (WHO)’s Pre- Qualifications Standards.
During a ceremony attended by among others, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Health, Hon (Sen). Mutahi Kagwe, Regional Commander, John Elungata, KEMRI Chair of the Board, Dr. Daniel Mbinda and KEMRI Acting Director General, Prof. Sam Kariuki, the President also took time to launch Kenya’s Malaria Youth Army Project as well as unveil Kenya Cuba Malaria Vector Control Project as part of the Malaria Action Day celebrations.
As part of the Malaria Action day the President, also launched the KENYA’S MALARIA YOUTH ARMY where he witnessed the youth spraying larvicides at the Malaria breeding sites and indoor residual spraying at the community as well as a spectacular show of demonstration of use of Drone Technology in spraying mosquitoes breeding sites.