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There is a looming worldwide shortage of 0.5 ml AD syringes.
Revital health care [EPZ] Ltd sales, marketing and R&D director Roneek Vora said the shortageof the syringes has created a crisis in the world.
He pointed out there is a shortage of the syringes because they are used in both the vaccination against the COVID-19 pandemic and malaria.
“We are optimistic that when malaria vaccines come out next year every child will require four dozes per year,” he pointed out.
Roneek said another consignment of syringes will be required for low and medium countries worldwide.
He spoke during a media briefing held at the factory premises along the Mombasa and Malindi road in Kilifi county.
The Revital health care [EPZ] Ltd sales, marketing and R&D director confirmed the company has received Sh 440 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation towards making more of the syringes.
Roneek said more syringes are needed because of the high demand for them worldwide which led to the funding.
He added with the current capacity of 74 million pieces per year plans are at an advanced stage to export 320 million pieces to other countries in the world.
“We have a workforce of 500 at the plant majority being women and there are plans to add 100 more and 5000 who will not be directly employed next year,” he pointed out.