Faster tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis is set to save lives in Sudan as UNDP, Sudan’s National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) and Molbio Diagnostics work to restore a critical network of Truenat molecular diagnostic machines and strengthen the skills of laboratory professionals.

The initiative is supported by funding from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and aims to improve access to rapid molecular testing for TB and drug-resistant TB, particularly in areas where conflict, displacement and damaged infrastructure have disrupted healthcare services.

In early 2023, UNDP Sudan procured 15 Truenat machines from Molbio Diagnostics to expand rapid molecular TB diagnosis in hospitals across Sudan. The outbreak of war interrupted the planned deployment and restricted access to many health facilities. UNDP Sudan is now working with national health authorities, hospitals and Molbio Diagnostics to recover the equipment, restore its functionality and train health workers.