Merck, a German-based pharmaceutical company, announced today it is introducing a device for monitoring the progression of HIV/Aids throughout Africa.
Regulatory approval has been granted in Nigeria, Cote d'lvoire, Cameroon and Angola, and is pending in South Africa.
Merck partnered with the University of Yaounde in Cameroon on the clinical testing of the Muse system.
According to Prof Francois-Xavier Mbopi-Keou, professor of laboratory medicine, microbiology and infectious diseases at the University of Yaounde I-Cameroon, Muse Auto CD4/CD4% system provides a rapid, simple and accurate monitoring of T cells in adults and children.
A user-friendly touchscreen interface and intuitive software work together to simplify operation and analysis, said Mbopi-Keou.
This device - which is more portable than other alternative testing devices - provides a perfect solution for clinics serving patients living in remote areas and is helping improve the quality of public health service while contributing to the fight against HIV/Aids, added Mbopi-Keou.
Of the more than 35 million people infected with HIV worldwide, 25 million live in Africa alone - and only 19 million are aware of their status, according to a 2014 UNAIDS report.
Many patients in this part of the world, particularly those in rural areas, lack access to regular medical care, said Stefan Oschmann, vice chairman of the executive board and deputy CEO at Merck.
Treatment is often hindered by the long distances from the patient's village to the nearest hospital or clinic, he added.
"Through the introduction of the Muse device, we are enabling health professionals in Africa to more effectively respond to the health care needs of their patients and make progress towards the treatment, cure, and prevention of HIV/Aids."
The company is also working on a Muse Malaria Kit to help fight malaria and related infectious diseases, said Oschmann.
"Our leadership stand and reason for being in Africa is to help resolve global health challenges.
"The entrepreneurial spirit in Africa and the creativity to come up with out-of-the-box solutions are simply amazing."
In a world that is increasingly shaped by digital solutions, this innovative spirit is enabling Africa to spearhead technological solutions in areas such as e-health, mobile banking or community information, he said.
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