Institut Pasteur de Dakar expands diagnostic manufacturing in Africa

SENEGAL—As part of its 100th-anniversary celebrations, the Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD) is set to inaugurate its new diaTROPIX diagnostic manufacturing facility in Mbao.

This state-of-the-art site stands out as one of the few in the region capable of producing high volumes of rapid diagnostic tests while meeting international quality management standards (ISO 13485).

The facility is also working towards World Health Organization (WHO) quality approval, ensuring its products meet global health benchmarks.

The expansion of diaTROPIX has been made possible through financial and technical support from FIND, the global alliance for diagnostics, and Unitaid.

The initiative aims to improve access to high-quality diagnostic tests across Africa, a region that has long depended on imports for critical health supplies.

According to Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, Chief Transformation Officer and CEO of FIND, the project exemplifies FIND’s vision of “Diagnostics for All.”

He emphasized that the initiative combines innovation, technology transfer for local production, and collaborative partnerships—essential elements for strengthening regional manufacturing ecosystems.

Africa is among the largest consumers of rapid diagnostic tests, with over 500 million tests used annually, primarily for malaria and HIV.

However, these tests have traditionally been imported, making the continent vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions.

The centralization of production outside Africa has further highlighted this fragility during global crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 response acted as a catalyst for change, with organizations like FIND and Unitaid championing regional manufacturing as a key strategy for pandemic prevention and preparedness.

Dr. Philippe Duneton, Executive Director of Unitaid, described the new diaTROPIX facility as a bold realization of the vision to meet Africa’s unique diagnostic needs.

He noted that the platform not only secures supply for essential tests, such as those for HIV and malaria, but also addresses diagnostics for diseases specific to the continent.

In 2020, diaTROPIX expanded its production capacity to 75 million tests annually following a call for Expressions of Interest under the ACT Accelerator’s Diagnostics Pillar.

With support from FIND and Unitaid, the project benefited from technology transfer and training facilitated by GADx (UK) and Bionote (Korea). T

his collaboration enabled diaTROPIX to diversify its production beyond COVID-19 tests, addressing broader health priorities sustainably.

Regional manufacturing ensures diagnostics are tailored to local needs, considering regional health challenges, infrastructure, and resources.

This approach enhances healthcare accessibility and effectiveness, addressing key global health goals like universal health coverage, antimicrobial resistance, and global health security, as The Lancet Commission on Diagnostics highlighted in 2021.

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