Zambart, in collaboration with the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Programme (NTP) and the Stop TB Partnership recently handed over 22 Pluslife Near Point-of-Care (NPOC) molecular diagnostic devices to Ndola District Health Office to strengthen tuberculosis (TB) screening and diagnosis across primary health care facilities in Ndola District.
The handover, conducted under the TB REACH Wave 11 Plus Project, marks a major step towards improving access to timely and accurate TB diagnosis at community and primary health care levels. The devices were officially received by the District Director of Health Services, Dr. Lillian Nyendwa, during a ceremony held at the Ndola District Health Office.
Following the handover, the devices were installed in 22 primary health care facilities across the district to enhance TB detection and support early diagnosis and treatment initiation.
The Pluslife NPOC test is a molecular diagnostic tool designed for the rapid detection of tuberculosis using either sputum or tongue swab samples. Unlike conventional TB diagnostic cascade, which often require sample transport to centralized laboratories, NPOC testing can be performed directly at health posts and primary health care facilities. This enables faster diagnosis, reduces turnaround times, and improves access to TB services for communities.
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Dr. Nyendwa highlighted the potential of NPOC test to strengthen the TB diagnostic cascade by bringing testing closer to patients, particularly in settings where access to laboratory services may be limited.
As part of the project, Zambart is conducting interlinked pragmatic implementation studies to evaluate the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, facilitators, and barriers associated with the use of NPOC technologies in primary health care settings. The studies aim to generate evidence on how NPOC diagnostics can improve TB case detection and strengthen the overall diagnostic pathway in Zambia.
The findings from these studies are expected to provide valuable insights for local, national, and international policymakers and will help inform decisions regarding the wider deployment and implementation of NPOC technologies at community and primary health care levels.
By bringing innovative diagnostic solutions closer to communities, the project contributes to Zambia’s efforts to improve TB detection, reduce diagnostic delays, and accelerate progress towards ending tuberculosis as a public health threat.