Panaji, Goa: Molbio Diagnostics has deployed a decentralised molecular testing solution to support rapid detection and response efforts amid the ongoing Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
On May 17, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
As of May 21, the DRC had reported 746 suspected cases and 176 deaths among suspected cases. Across both countries, 85 confirmed cases had been recorded, including two in Uganda, along with 10 deaths among confirmed cases, including one in Uganda.
The current outbreak has been linked to the Bundibugyo virus, one of three viruses known to cause large outbreaks of Ebola disease, alongside the Ebola virus and Sudan virus.
As part of the global response, Molbio Diagnostics participated in an emergency consultation convened by the World Health Organization and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) on May 22.
The consultation brought together key stakeholders to accelerate research, development, and deployment of a decentralised molecular testing solution and other decentralised diagnostic technologies to strengthen outbreak response efforts.
During the consultation, participants highlighted the significant challenges posed by the limited availability of suitable decentralised testing solutions for detecting Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus.
To address this gap, Molbio has developed a real-time PCR test capable of detecting Ebola disease caused by all three outbreak-associated viruses – Ebola virus, Sudan virus, and Bundibugyo virus.
The decentralised molecular testing solution is designed for use in near-patient settings and runs on Molbio’s portable Truenat platform.
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The Truenat-based real-time PCR test delivers results in approximately one hour, enabling faster clinical decision-making and supporting timely public health interventions.
The portable nature of the decentralised molecular testing solution makes it particularly suitable for outbreak settings where access to centralized laboratory infrastructure may be limited.
Molbio is currently collaborating closely with the World Health Organization, Africa CDC, and local authorities to urgently validate the test using clinical specimens.
Initial deployment of the decentralised molecular testing solution has already commenced, with test kits reaching affected regions in Uganda and the DRC.
The company stated that it remains committed to supporting public health authorities and global health agencies in strengthening outbreak preparedness and response through accessible molecular diagnostic technologies.
Through the deployment of its decentralised molecular testing solution, Molbio aims to facilitate faster diagnosis and contribute to more effective management of Ebola outbreaks in affected regions.
About Molbio Diagnostics Limited
Molbio Diagnostics Limited is an innovative point-of-care diagnostics company focused on delivering rapid, accurate, and cost-effective diagnostic solutions. The company works to bring advanced healthcare technologies to remote and underserved areas.
Molbio’s flagship Truenat® real-time PCR platform is globally recognized and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for infectious disease management.
The company continues to advance healthcare accessibility and quality through innovative diagnostic technologies that meet global standards. Its latest decentralised molecular testing solution further supports this mission by enabling rapid disease detection closer to the point of care.
