bioMérieux forges unique BEE partnership

bioMérieux, a leader in the field of in vitro diagnostics, and Litha Healthcare Holdings, with diversified interests in vaccines, logistics, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, confirmed today their commitment to South Africa by announcing a unique BEE partnership agreement. These two healthcare pioneers have truly embraced the spirit of BBBEE with their shared vision to fight infectious diseases and improve patient care in South Africa.

Just one year on from launching its South African subsidiary, bioMérieux today delivers on its commitment to Black Economic Empowerment. bioMérieux and Litha have worked closely for many years. Prior to the opening of the bioMérieux subsidiary in 2008, Litha was already a BEE partner with the company's South African distributor of four years - OmniMed.

Christo Viljoen, a bioMérieux South Africa Director, said “This alliance will aid bioMérieux to better accomplish its mission of improving public health in South Africa. Litha has outstanding credentials and we are very pleased to have them at our side. By combining our shared values and vision, together we will provide innovative diagnostic solutions that meet our region's healthcare challenges.”

Litha endeavours to be a major contributor to economic transformation in South Africa, striving to become a role model of business success within the black community. What initially impressed Litha was bioMérieux's deliberate decision to invest in South Africa, with South Africans, in a South African company. “bioMérieux has been committed to the fight against HIV and AIDS for 25 years and has been a pioneer in developing diagnostic solutions for healthcare-associated infections. Together we hope to make a significant impact on South Africa's healthcare in these key areas,” said Mpumelelo Sowazi, Corporate Affairs Executive for Litha Healthcare Holdings and a Director of bioMérieux South Africa.

bioMérieux and Litha will pool their experience to strengthen lab capacity in South Africa through training. The strategy followed by Litha is to ensure superior performance through the development and empowerment of its employees. bioMérieux has established an extensive training curriculum for both employees and customers to develop their skills and expertise.