In celebration of its 100th anniversary, the Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD) is set to unveil the new diaTROPIX diagnostic manufacturing site in Mbao. This state-of-the-art facility is one of the few high-volume production sites in the region to achieve ISO 13485 certification for rapid diagnostic tests, with the goal of obtaining World Health Organization quality approval. Supported by FIND and Unitaid, the expansion aims to enhance access to high-quality diagnostics for all.
Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, Chief Transformation Officer/CEO of FIND, emphasizes the importance of this project in advancing the vision of Diagnostics For All. By fostering innovation, technology transfer for local manufacturing, and locally-driven partnerships, the initiative is poised to strengthen the national and regional manufacturing ecosystem.
The African continent is a major consumer of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), particularly for diseases like malaria and HIV. However, the reliance on imported tests has made diagnostic supplies vulnerable to disruptions in the supply chain. The establishment of a local production site like diaTROPIX is crucial for ensuring supply security and addressing the continent’s diagnostic needs.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, FIND and Unitaid have played a pivotal role in bolstering regional manufacturing capabilities as part of pandemic prevention and response strategies. The inauguration of the expanded facility signifies a significant milestone in Africa’s journey towards producing high-quality diagnostics tailored to the continent’s specific health needs.
Through technology transfer and training from international partners like GADx and Bionote, diaTROPIX has expanded its manufacturing capacity to 75 million units per year. This support has enabled the facility to move beyond COVID-19 testing and focus on broader health priorities, ensuring quality and sustainability as demand for diagnostics evolves.
Dr. Amadou Alpha Sall, CEO of Institut Pasteur de Dakar, expresses pride in Senegal’s role as a hub for innovation and resilience in global health. The localized approach to manufacturing not only enhances access to diagnostics but also addresses regional health priorities, infrastructure, and resource constraints.
The Lancet Commission on Diagnostics underscores the urgent need for improved access to diagnostics to address global health priorities such as universal health coverage, antimicrobial resistance, and global health security.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact FIND’s Director of Communications, Beatrice Bernescut, or Unitaid’s Communications Officer, Kyle Wilkinson. FIND is committed to accelerating equitable access to reliable diagnosis worldwide, while Unitaid works to make new health products available and affordable for people in low- and middle-income countries.
Overall, the inauguration of the diaTROPIX facility marks a significant step towards strengthening Africa’s capacity to produce high-quality diagnostics and promoting health security in the region. With support from FIND and Unitaid, the facility is poised to meet the evolving diagnostic needs of the continent and improve access to essential healthcare services for all.
