Health

Nigerian Scientists Create Simple Cholera Test to Avert Outbreaks

Written by Jerry Alomatu on July 15, 2024

News Views: 44

As Nigeria battles a cholera outbreak, the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has developed an innovative, easy-to-use diagnostic tool to combat the disease.

Cholera, a severe diarrhoeal illness caused by contaminated water and poor hygiene, can spread rapidly. Early detection is crucial to prevent outbreaks, and the new point-of-care test aims to facilitate this.

In an exclusive interview with Professor Babatunde Salako, the Director General of NIMR, explained that the new diagnostic tool allows for rapid detection of cholera in body fluids and water. “We are creating a point-of-care instrument to diagnose cholera using body fluids and water. Disease detection is the shortest way of preventing epidemics. Once you pick the first case, you will be able to sort the rest out,” said Salako.

The NIMR’s dipstick test, currently in its final stages of development, promises to be a game-changer, especially in remote areas where traditional diagnostic kits are unavailable or costly. Salako added, “The test is nearly 80 percent complete and will be cheap, easy to use, and readily available at home and in healthcare clinics.”

Beyond the dipstick test, NIMR is also conducting wastewater surveillance in canals around hospitals in Lagos to identify potential outbreaks early. Hospital waste can contaminate floodwater and drinking supplies, exacerbating the spread of cholera.

Salako emphasized the importance of research in preventing outbreaks, stating that although the return on investment in research may not be immediate, it is crucial for the long-term health of the nation. “A healthy population leads to a more vibrant workforce, which in turn translates to a higher GDP and better overall economic performance,” he noted.

The development of the dipstick test and other research initiatives highlight the essential role of health research in fostering innovation, economic wealth, and the creation of life-saving products. Salako pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as a prime example, where research and vaccine development played a critical role in mitigating global economic impacts.