Researchers from the Moroccan Foundation for Advanced Science, Innovation and Research (MAScIR) have developed a molecular test for tuberculosis screening, which is the first 100% Moroccan diagnostic test.
This test "has the advantage of being precise and fast, delivering results in 30 minutes," said Friday a press release issued by the Foundation, which is affiliated with the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University.
Named MAScIR TB SS-LAMP, this test has been validated by the Pasteur Institute of Morocco and registered with the Directorate of Medicines and Pharmacy under the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.
Coupled with a mobile and connected digital device (Rapid-LoopAmp-12), also developed by the Foundation's teams, the new test "constitutes a solution which facilitates diagnosis as close as possible to patients at a controlled cost."
In Morocco, tuberculosis remains a significant public health problem with more than 29,000 new cases recorded in 2020.
In March 2021, the Ministry of Health announced the launch of the extension of the national strategic plan for the prevention and control of tuberculosis 2021/2023, a program that is articulated with the WHO global initiative called "End TB Strategy 2016/2035".
Created in 2007, MAScIR is a Moroccan foundation which aims to promote and develop research and development centers in Morocco that meet the country's needs in advanced technologies, particularly in the medical biology sector.
