Congo strengthens laboratory capacity to combat tuberculosis

CONGO— In the Republic of Congo, a significant shift in strategy has been implemented to combat tuberculosis (TB), with a focus on enhancing laboratory capacity.

This initiative is vital, as accurate diagnosis is crucial in the fight against TB, enabling quick detection and treatment.

The process starts with monitoring chronic coughs and ends with confirming TB through sputum analysis in a lab.

Historically, the Republic of Congo has faced hurdles in diagnosing TB due to limited laboratory capabilities.

The country introduced its first GeneXpert machine in 2013, enabling rapid detection of TB bacteria.

However, with inadequate capacity, many samples had to be sent abroad for mycobacterial culture and drug resistance testing, leading to delays of six to eight months.

Such delays have seriously hampered the treatment for patients with multidrug-resistant TB, as timely lab results are essential for effective follow-up care.

To tackle these challenges, the World Health Organization (WHO) facilitated the mobilization of resources from the Global Fund.

In 2018, the National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTCP) acquired a modular microbiological safety laboratory that can handle hazardous bacterial strains.

Today, the National Mycobacterial Reference Laboratory (NMRL) operates with 46 GeneXpert machines and supports a network of 113 testing and treatment centers spread throughout the country’s 12 departments.

Acknowledging the backing of the WHO and partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Fund, the Republic of Congo has made remarkable progress.

Since 2024, it has been recognized as a high-burden TB country with a mycobacteria reference laboratory that meets WHO standards.

The NMRL offers advanced diagnostic techniques, including microscopy, cultures, anti-TB drug sensitivity tests, and molecular diagnostics, including genomic surveillance.

This means patients can receive their susceptibility test results within two weeks, enabling them to start appropriate treatment without delay.

For genotypic susceptibility tests, results can be available in as little as 24 to 48 hours.

The importance of laboratory testing in managing TB cannot be overstated.

Amélie Makoundou, a public health assistant at the Brazzaville Tuberculosis (TB) Centre with nearly three decades of experience, emphasizes that her work is entirely based on laboratory results.

“We cannot put a patient on treatment without a lab result,” she notes, emphasizing the critical role of testing in ensuring patients receive the right treatment from the very start.

The WHO and its partners remain dedicated to helping the Republic of Congo enhance its diagnostic capabilities by reinforcing the national TB reference laboratory.

Capacity-building efforts include training for technicians and ongoing technical support from international consultants.

This assistance is crucial for swift disease detection, enabling healthcare providers to initiate treatment promptly and save lives.

The impact of these initiatives is clear. In 2023, 41% of new TB cases were identified using rapid diagnostic methods endorsed by WHO.

There was a slight uptick in new case detection from 2022 to 2023, and the number of people starting treatment for drug-resistant TB more than doubled.

Early diagnosis has also led to improved preventive treatment, with over 1,700 individuals receiving preventive TB treatment in 2023—a 46% increase compared to the previous year.

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