Study of malaria rapid diagnostic tests in Uganda assesses scalability and identifies supply chain challenges. (PML Daily PHOTO)
KAMPALA- The Ministry of Health has announced plans to use the Rapid Diagnostic Kits-RDK to detect malaria parasites as the country attempts to eradicate malaria by 2030.
Dr. Jimmy Opigo, the head of Malaria Control Programme, on Tuesday, said the new RDK will enable the detection of malaria infections as opposed to the disease.
According to the Health Ministry, the Rapid Diagnostic Kits are able to detect malaria parasites five times faster compared what is being used currently. The tests will be available in public health facilities early next year.
Data from the Ministry of Health shows that 478 per 1000 people in Uganda suffer from Malaria.
Dr. Opigo says the ministry will use the kits on groups of people that are likely to have hidden malaria parasites in their bodies.
The kits will also be used in districts where residual spraying has been taking place like Masaka. The launch of the kits the WHO 2018 Malaria report that showed that despite various efforts taken to fight malaria in Uganda like mosquito net distribution, the burden of the disease is still high.
Dr Jimmy Opigo, Program Manager for the National Malaria Control Program addressing press. (FILE PHOTO)
Uganda is one of ten countries in the world with 80 percent malaria burden. The high sense kits will be provided by Abbot Diagnostics.
Dr. Opigo says the company will also provide the Health Ministry equipment that will allow them to better manage malaria data in the country.
Abbot diagnostics is U.S based company that funds research in disease diagnostics technologies around the world.
In Uganda, the company provides point of care technologies in HIV and TB control. They also fund research in hepatitis and different viruses
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