Launch of a new HIV viral load analysis kit :: Kenya



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The new HIV viral load test tool called M-PIMA HIV-1/2 VL was launched after successful tests in Kenya. [Courtesy]

The New Kit M-PIMA HIV-1/2 VL is the first viral load point tool designed to provide healthcare professionals with a faster way to manage HIV by testing viral load at the point of care .

This means that decisions will be made in a timely manner regarding care for people living with HIV, including treatment.

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The tool that underwent a successful trial in Kenya was launched Tuesday at the International Aids Society conference in Amsterdam .

The tool manufactured by the American healthcare company Abbott seeks to reach underserved communities primarily in remote areas and comes at a time when viral load testing is part of HIV management.

The tool on the place of care was tested in Busia County by Professor Matilu Mwau, director of the Center for Research on the Fight against Infectious and Parasitic Diseases in Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).

Professor Mwau said, "The viral load test is essential for tracking the individual response to treatment and the effective use of expensive antiretroviral drugs."

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He also pointed out that viral load tests trace the emergence of resistance in people living with HIV.

Dr. Peter Cherutich, the deputy director of health at the Department of Health – speaking on the merits of point-of-care testing – said that such technology will help improve access to viral load tests which is a standard of HIV care.
"At the patient level, this will help clinicians to optimize treatment options and we will also have the opportunity to know how many people have had their viral load removed," says Cherutich.

One of the features of the war on HIV is that it is portable, which helps provide health care in Kenya's most difficult areas.

The kit also provides connectivity for data points that supports decentralized program management so that the Department of Health can monitor and raise the standard of care nationwide.

After successfully pbading a test phase in Kenya among other countries in 2011, the kit will be launched on the market next year.

The last few years have seen the emergence of a robust pipeline of point-of-care viral load badysis platforms that offer the prospect of simpler, more simple approaches. cost-effective and more user-friendly for viral load testing.

"With point-of-care testing, delays in return of test results can be avoided, allowing clinicians to identify and resolve adherence and therapeutic failure problems. earlier, "said Professor Mwau.

Normally, viral load tests are conducted using the reference technology in nine major laboratories in the country, samples from all over the country were shipped to these labs, it's a challenge because the results these labs should go back to the patients.

The new kit should reduce the costs involved in viral load testing, such as transporting samples to laboratories for viral load badysis and results to clients.

Currently, Kenya has only one machine capable of testing over 960 samples in an hour and with others longer.

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