The MSF Foundation supports the development of rapid diagnostic tests for measles and meningitis

In December 2024, a key milestone was reached with the inauguration of the new rapid diagnostic test (RDT) production unit of DiaTROPIX in Mbao, Senegal. This factory marks a significant advancement in the development of rapid diagnostic solutions for regions with limited access to laboratory diagnostics. The MSF Foundation was present at the event, alongside other partners from the Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD), including IRD, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, FIND, and GAVI, who also support this initiative.

This non-profit initiative aims to produce rapid diagnostic tests for diseases with high epidemic potential, posing a major public health challenge in countries where MSF operates, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. The goal is to make these tests accessible to health facilities in low-resource settings, thus facilitating faster diagnosis and more effective epidemic management.

As a key partner, the MSF Foundation has been involved from the very early stages of development, actively participating in the characterization of tests for measles and meningitis screening, ensuring they are best suited to the contexts in which MSF operates. Today, we are funding the development of these tests. The measles test is currently in the batch production phase for validation and verification, and the next steps, expected this summer, will include analytical and clinical studies to assess its performance. As for the meningitis test, it is in the prototype adjustment phase.

These projects aim to make these tests available, adapted to our needs, at an affordable cost, ensuring early screening and better patient care in low-resource countries.