Health Minister unveils key diagnostics system in Gaborone

• Botswana Minister of Health unveiled the Roche cobas® 5800 molecular diagnostics system in Gaborone
• The system is the first of its kind in Africa and will enable improved access to molecular testing in multiple disease areas for more patients throughout Botswana.
• The cobas® 5800 offers multi-disease testing

The system will expand molecular testing capacity and increase access to healthcare for many Batswana who face healthcare barriers. The Botswana Minister of Health, Honourable Dr Edwin G. Dikoloti, unveiled the system on November 17, 2022. The country is the first in the SADC region to reach the 95:95:95 WHO goals for HIV.

The installation of the cobas® 5800 showcases further commitment towards fighting HIV as well as Tuberculosis (TB), Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Early Infant Diagnosis (EID), Hepatitis B & C and SARS, amongst other health threads. Oremeng Motshegare, Director at Orthosurge Botswana says, “For over 20 years, we have invested in delivering state-of-the-art technologies in IVD and quality HIV screening in Botswana, working with reputable international partners and Ministry of health programmes so that patients can access quality healthcare.”

The Ministry of Health continues to invest in its model of excellence in quality health services, aiming to improve its population’s physical, mental and social well-being.2 Botswana Minister of Health, Honourable Dr. Edwin G. Dikoloti, says, “We are proud to be the first nation to reach the 95:95:95 goals. But our commitment to the health and well-being of every Motswana cannot stop there. Core diagnostic systems are the first step in managing any disease. This is one more important stride towards delivering better access to healthcare for all our people.” Executive Vice-President Diagnostics, Africa at Roche Diagnostics, Dr Allan Pamba, also remarked as follows: “We are pleased to inaugurate the first cobas® 5800 instrument on the continent in Botswana with our partners Orthosurge and Diagnofirm.

Access to reliable diagnostics is critical in tackling Africa’s dual disease burden of NCDs (non-communicable diseases) and infectious diseases, and we remain committed to unlocking innovations that address multiple illnesses.” Dr Mohammed Chand, Medical Director of Diagnofirm Medical Laboratories (DML) says, “At Diagnofirm, we strive at being in the forefront of laboratory medicine when it comes to technology, bringing first-world services to Botswana. We are the first private laboratory to be ISO Accredited. It is in our DNA to introduce new technology and advances that will see better outcomes for patients.” Roche is committed to driving access to quality healthcare for all Africans, providing sustainable diagnostic solutions and establishing data-based insights to help patients live longer.