The two tests will be evaluated on about 40 000 TB patients at increased risk
of MDR-TB ahead of an anticipated roll-out.
The announcement was made by the South African Medical Research Council, the
National Health Laboratory Service and the Geneva-based, non-profit Foundation
for Innovative New Diagnostics, following the signing of a memorandum of
understanding.
Rapid diagnosis of MDR-TB will have several benefits. These include
earlier treatment of patients, which will undoubtedly save more lives [and]
reducing the time spent on inappropriate and ineffective patient treatment
... read a joint statement.
Project preparation was under way in the five provinces most affected by the
disease -- Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the North West and the Northern and Western
Cape provinces. Testing was due to begin on April 1.
Based on the results of the demonstration studies, the council and the
laboratory would issue policy recommendations on the routine use and roll-out of
the two tests to the Health Department. -- Sapa
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