The Federal Government has acquired and deployed no fewer than 333 Truenat diagnostic machines, a cutting-edge molecular testing technology designed to enhance tuberculosis detection and treatment, as part of scaling up efforts in its fight against tuberculosis (TB).
The deployment of the World Health Organisation (WHO)-endorsed device is expected to be a monumental transformative leap considering the remarkable results of the deployment of 39 devices in 2021.
The initiative, funded by the Global Fund and implemented through the National TB Program (NTP), aims to expand access to care, particularly in underserved and hard-to-reach areas.
Within just nine months of introducing the initial 39 machines, the TB case detection rate surged significantly, with TB-positive cases rising from 1,633 (8% of 20,424 tested) to 3,338 (9% of 37,087 tested), an additional 1,704 cases.
The impact of detecting drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) was even more pronounced. The report highlighted a 4.5-fold increase in rifampicin-resistant TB cases, rising from 7 to 32 during the same period, which marks a critical step forward in addressing drug-resistant strains, a key challenge in managing and combating the global TB crisis.
Scaling this impact with the deployment of 333 devices is expected to multiply these outcomes, dramatically enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to detect and manage TB cases nationwide.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, the Head of Laboratory Services at the Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program (NTBLCP), Rita Akpakpan, disclosed that the first phase of training for health workers on the use of Truenat machines has commenced in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Nasarawa State, with additional training sessions planned for Lagos, Ogun, and other regions.
“We’re training two staff members per facility, ensuring that the deployment of these machines begins immediately after the training.
“With Truenat, we can identify TB cases with as few as 30 bacilli per millilitre, compared to 10,000 required for detection via microscopes.
“This precision will significantly reduce the number of undiagnosed patients, thereby curbing the spread of TB in communities.
“Beyond TB detection, Truenat machines can also identify drug-resistant TB cases, enabling tailored treatment for patients who do not respond to conventional TB drugs.
“This dual functionality is critical for improving treatment outcomes and reducing the burden of drug-resistant TB.
“We’re targeting locations where patients previously lacked diagnostic services, ensuring no community is left behind,” she said.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate health services and optimised resources, Akpakpan noted, adding, “Truenat machines can also be used to diagnose other diseases such as COVID-19, hepatitis, and HPV.
“This aligns with our strategy to strengthen the health system while addressing multiple health challenges.
Emperor Ubochioma of Global Fund/NTBLCP emphasised that the machines, which are battery-operated and capable of functioning in high-temperature environments, are particularly suited for Nigeria’s unique challenges.
“These devices are portable, adaptable, and effective in rural areas where electricity and laboratory facilities are limited,” he added.
He said the deployment strategy includes prioritising underserved areas with high TB burdens, adding, “The machines are being placed in new facilities to expand access to care.”.
Sriram Natarajan, CEO of Molbio Diagnostics, the company behind Truenat, highlighted the significance of this innovation.
“Microscopy, which has been the standard tool for TB diagnosis, has a sensitivity of only 40–50%, leaving many cases undetected. Truenat, as a PCR-based molecular test, has near-perfect sensitivity and specificity, ensuring almost all cases are diagnosed early,” he said.
“Nigeria’s adoption of this platform positions the country as a leader in Africa for community-level molecular diagnostics.”
The deployment of Truenat machines is expected to revolutionise TB diagnosis by detecting cases with lower bacterial loads than traditional methods.
Natarajan praised Nigeria’s efforts to scale up TB diagnostics, saying, “This rollout will not only save lives but also bring the country closer to its goal of eliminating TB.
“We’re proud to support this transformative initiative and look forward to its impact.”
Since the adoption of Truenat in 2021, he noted that Nigeria has made significant strides in TB detection and treatment, “We have seen a rapid increase in case detection rates over the past five years
“With the deployment of these 333 machines, we anticipate even greater progress in the fight against TB,” he added.
According to Michael Emenoge, the Chief Operating Officer of Weierstrass Michael Universal Solutions Company Ltd. (Molbio Nigeria), to ensure sustainability, the rollout includes measures for maintenance and performance monitoring.
He said a robust monitoring system has been established to track the functionality of the machines, with monthly performance reports and backup solutions like solar panels to minimise downtime.
These measures, Emenoge noted, are intended to ensure that the diagnostic machines remain operational and effective in the long term, supporting the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and tackle TB as a public health priority.
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