From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The World Health Organisation (WHO), in collaboration with the Global Fund, has approved a new tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic solution, Truenat, to enhance TB and drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) diagnosis in peripheral facilities across Nigeria.
The WHO explained that the diagnostic machine, Truenat, developed by Molbio Diagnostics Ltd in India, is a portable, battery-operated molecular device designed for point-of-care testing. It is compatible with Truelux, a solar charging station.
Additionally, Truenat can be used at the community level in areas with poor power supply, providing rapid and accurate results. This makes it an ideal solution for remote and resource-limited settings.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Rita Akpakpan, Laboratory Lead of the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Programme (NTBLCP), highlighted the substantial impact of the Truenat system in reducing turnaround times for TB diagnosis and increasing case detection rates. She described it as a much-needed intervention for Nigeria, which accounts for 75 per cent of global missing TB cases and 70 per cent of missing DR-TB cases.
She noted that one key reason for the country’s low case detection rate has been limited access to rapid molecular testing facilities in hard-to-reach areas. This prompted the decision by the WHO, with support from the Global Fund, to approve and procure the new diagnostic tool.
Akpakpan stated that the nationwide rollout of Truenat would enable the NTBLCP to test 8,000 more people daily and two million more annually, reducing community transmission risks and ensuring timely care.
Dr Emperor Ubochioma, Programme Management Unit Team Lead at the Global Fund, described the deployment of Truenat devices across Nigeria as a transformative step in the battle against TB and DR-TB.
He said, “This initiative, supported by the Global Fund, empowers our healthcare system with advanced diagnostic tools that reach hard-to-reach areas. We are confident that this will significantly improve TB detection rates and treatment outcomes, ultimately reducing the burden of TB in our country.”
Sriram Natarajan, CEO of Molbio Diagnostics, told journalists that the Truenat system, endorsed by the WHO for TB and DR-TB testing, is a multi-disease platform capable of diagnosing various infectious diseases, including HIV, hepatitis, malaria, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
He explained that the device is automated and battery-operated, used to extract, amplify, and detect specific genomic DNA loci for TB and rifampicin resistance. He added that it has minimal biosafety concerns and does not require air conditioning, as it can function at relatively high room temperatures of up to 40°C.
Natarajan confirmed that the Federal Ministry of Health has approved the deployment of 333 Truenat devices to health facilities across Nigeria.
He said, “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—a much-needed intervention for Nigeria.
“The deployment marks a significant milestone in our mission to provide innovative diagnostic solutions to underserved regions. We are committed to supporting Nigeria in its fight against TB and improving public health outcomes through timely and accurate diagnostics.”
He further explained that Molbio, in collaboration with the NTBLCP, is currently conducting countrywide end-user training and installation of the platform to ensure smooth service delivery.