Roche Diagnostics supplies testing equipment to support Ebola response in DRC

DRC—Roche Diagnostics is supplying molecular testing equipment and laboratory training to support the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) response to the ongoing Bundibugyo virus outbreak, as demand for testing exceeds available laboratory capacity.

The company has provided two molecular testing instruments to the Institut National de Santé Publique (INSP), which supports the Ministry of Health’s Ebola response.

Roche will configure the LightCycler and MagNA Pure systems before local laboratory technicians receive training and deploy the equipment to Bunia for validation testing.

The initiative aims to expand local diagnostic capacity and support the introduction of Roche’s research use only (RUO) molecular test for Bundibugyo virus.

The partnership also highlights the role of public private collaboration in strengthening laboratory infrastructure during infectious disease emergencies.

Equipment delivery supports local testing

“Outbreak response depends on having the right testing capability available where it is needed,” said Johan Descombes, General Manager for Francophone West Africa at Roche Diagnostics.

He said the company was working with INSP to provide equipment, training and support for local validation, helping expand testing capacity available to teams responding to the outbreak.

Descombes added that developing local expertise was important to meeting immediate testing needs and supporting the wider response.

The equipment delivery follows Roche’s announcement in June that it had developed an RUO molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test targeting Bundibugyo virus.

The instruments will support local validation of the test before Roche proceeds with plans to deliver additional testing materials.

RUO tests are intended for research purposes and are not automatically authorised for routine clinical diagnosis.

Validation and applicable regulatory requirements therefore remain important steps before broader deployment.

The timing and scope of additional deliveries will depend on progress with these processes.

Outbreak places pressure on laboratory services

As of 28 September 2026, data cited from United Nations health authorities reported 8,067 confirmed cases and 3,901 deaths across 60 health zones in six provinces, with the reported case fatality rate at 48.4%.

The World Health Organization (WHO) assessed the risk in the DRC as very high and confirmed that the outbreak remained a public health emergency of international concern.

Reliable laboratory testing supports case detection, surveillance and investigations into possible transmission.

It also helps response teams identify infections and guide public health measures.

When demand exceeds laboratory capacity, delays in obtaining results can complicate outbreak monitoring and response activities.

WHO’s temporary recommendations for the DRC emphasise stronger surveillance, case detection and investigation.

Expanding testing capacity is therefore an important component of efforts to identify infections and limit further transmission.

Roche plans further deployment

Descombes said the initial delivery marked a step in the partnership, with further support to be determined as validation progresses.

“As validation progresses, we are committed to working alongside the INSP and local laboratory teams to understand where further support can make the greatest difference,” he said.

He added that the company aims to help establish testing capacity that can address the current outbreak and strengthen preparedness for future outbreaks and pandemics.

Following completion of the validation process for the RUO test, Roche expects to deploy additional instruments and expedite the delivery of more tests to support the DRC’s response.

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