Nigeria receives 333 Truenat devices to boost TB diagnosis

Molbio Diagnostics of India has deployed 333 Truenat devices across Nigeria to enhance diagnosis and boost the Tuberculosis (TB) response.

This is a significant step by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, with support from the Global Fund, in leveraging cutting-edge technology to scale up testing and combat TB and other infectious diseases in regions with limited access to advanced medical facilities.

The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020 recommended the use of Truenat MTB-RIF Dx (Molbio Diagnostics, India), a new rapid molecular assay for TB diagnosis and detection of Rifampicin resistance. The Truenat test is a point-of-care (POC) chip-based real-time micro-PCR for the semi-quantitative detection of MTBC directly from sputum specimens.

The deployment follows the promising results of a recent study published in *Public Health Action*, which highlighted the substantial impact of the Truenat system in reducing turnaround times for TB diagnosis and increasing case detection rates.

This intervention is much needed for Nigeria, which collectively accounts for 75% of the global missing TB cases and 70% of missing drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) cases. One key reason for the country’s low case detection rate has been limited access to rapid molecular testing facilities at the last-mile periphery.

Announcing this yesterday in Abuja, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Molbio Diagnostics, Sriram Natarajan, stated that the firm is committed to supporting Nigeria in its fight against TB and improving public health outcomes through timely and accurate diagnostics.

He noted, “The deployment of 333 Truenat devices in Nigeria marks a significant milestone in our mission to provide innovative diagnostic solutions to underserved areas in the country.”

According to him, Molbio, in collaboration with NTBLCP, is currently conducting country-wide end-user training and installation of the platform to ensure smooth service delivery.

Also speaking, the laboratory lead at the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Buruli Ulcer Programme (NTBLCP), Rita Akpakpan, explained that the device, which is automated and battery-operated, can be used to extract, amplify, and detect specific genomic DNA loci for TB and Rifampicin resistance.

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She observed that the point-of-care diagnostic tool has minimal biosafety issues and does not require air conditioning, as it can be used in relatively high room temperatures of ≤ 40°C. The system is compact, rugged, and dust-tolerant.

The Program Management Unit Team Lead, Dr. Emperor Ubochioma, noted that the deployment of Truenat devices across Nigeria is a transformative step in the battle against TB and DR-TB.

Ubochioma said the initiative, supported by the Global Fund, empowers Nigeria’s healthcare system with advanced diagnostic tools that reach hard-to-reach areas. He expressed confidence that this will significantly improve TB detection rates and treatment outcomes, ultimately reducing the burden of TB in the country.

Truenat, developed by Molbio Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd., based in India, is a portable, battery-operated molecular device designed for point-of-care testing. Compatible with Truelux, the solar charging station, Truenat can be used to the extent of the community level, providing rapid and accurate results, making it an ideal solution for remote and resource-limited settings.

This country-wide rollout of Truenat will enable the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy, and Buruli Ulcer Programme (NTBLCP) to test 8,000 more people per day at minimum and 2 million more people per year, reducing the risk of community transmission while ensuring timely care.