BGI fights hepatitis in Ethiopia

Medical and health localization and standardization support the “One Belt, One Road” initiative

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, October 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/——at Addis Ababa (capital of Ethiopia)a brand new in vitro diagnostic (IVD) testing kit factory—the first in China Ethiopia Obtain ISO13485 related medical device quality management standards – strive to enhance African Access and availability of health care. The plant is operated by BGI Health Ethiopia, a subsidiary of BGI.

In response to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and to improve global health outcomes, this IVD testing kit factory is Africa, produced the continent’s first RT-PCR and rapid antigen test kits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the factory is setting up additional production lines at the new location to produce test kits for various diseases. BGI Health Ethiopia has prepared documents and is waiting for GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) inspection.

Rodas Ayichew, Production Manager, plays a key role in the production of IVD tests that are changing the face of healthcare Ethiopia Beyond.He recalled: “BGI is a global leader in research and has a strong track record of introducing new technologies focused on improving health outcomes. This meaningful aspect is important to Ethiopia and Africa This is the main reason why I will join the company in 2022. “

Hepatitis C virus infection is known as the silent killer because patients often have no obvious symptoms until the infection causes serious health complications.Rodas noted that hepatitis C infection is an important public health issue Ethiopiathe prevalence in some areas is as high as 22%.

The virus is a genetically heterogeneous bloodborne pathogen that progresses to chronic hepatitis in 75-85% of patients. The World Health Organization estimates that 58 million people worldwide have chronic hepatitis C virus infection, with approximately 1.5 million new infections every year.

“We have trained more than 20 IVD manufacturing personnel and are among the first batch of such personnel in the country. Ethiopia Certified by the Ethiopian Food and Drug Administration for Hepatitis C Virus, HCG (Pregnancy Urine Test), Treponema Palladium (Syphilis Test) and Typhoid Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits. By making hepatitis C testing easier and more available, this will reduce cases of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis,” Rodas said.

Moving to a new location can bring challenges. Nonetheless, Rodas expressed confidence in its ISO13485 certified team, which has demonstrated problem-solving capabilities and dedication to staying on top of the latest technology, production techniques and quality control.

Rodas commented: “From my perspective as a production manager, there is potential to do more than just Ethiopia But exported to other African countries. We conducted market research covering approximately 20 IVD tests before deciding to include seven tests in the updated line. All of these tests cover diseases that are prevalent in: Ethiopia and Africa.As production and quality increase, I am also eager to take on more responsibilities and look forward to contributing to public health Ethiopia and everywhere Africa

About viral hepatitis

According to the World Health Organization, the total number of deaths caused by viral hepatitis (including acute cases, cirrhosis and liver cancer) worldwide in 2019 reached 1.1 million. In 2016, the World Health Assembly made a historic commitment to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030.

About BGI

BGI, headquartered in Shenzhen, China, is the world’s leading provider of integrated solutions for precision medicine.exist July 2017As a subsidiary of BGI Group, BGI (300676.SZ) was officially listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.

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SOURCE BGI

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