Kisumu County has achieved a significant milestone in healthcare with the launch of its first public DNA and CPR Molecular Diagnostic Platform. Situated at the Kisumu County Referral Hospital, this advanced facility is poised to transform medical diagnostics in the region.
The new laboratory, with the capacity to conduct up to 2,000 tests per day, represents a major leap forward in the county’s ability to diagnose and monitor a range of diseases. Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili, alongside Health CEC Dr. Greg Ganda and other key health officials, inaugurated the platform, heralding it as a landmark development for the county’s healthcare sector.
Deputy Governor Owili emphasized the transformative impact of the facility, noting its role in not only monitoring HIV cases but also in diagnosing other significant pathogens. These include Covid-19, tuberculosis (TB), human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis, and future emerging diseases. The introduction of this comprehensive diagnostic tool aims to enhance the county’s capacity to tackle various health challenges more effectively.
During the launch event in Kisumu town, Owili highlighted that the medical laboratory officers have undergone extensive training and mentorship to operate the new equipment proficiently. “The KCRH laboratory is now fully equipped and ready for molecular testing after meeting all the necessary requirements. This investment is invaluable, and we are proud of the health team and its supporters,” he said.
The Deputy Governor stressed that the molecular diagnostic platform will significantly improve healthcare delivery in Kisumu. He explained that it would enhance accessibility to molecular diagnostics, reduce turnaround times for test results, promote early diagnosis, and facilitate timely patient management. Additionally, the platform is set to bolster surveillance for diseases of public health concern through its multi-disease testing capabilities.
A notable benefit of the new facility is its potential to advance efforts towards the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (eMTC) of HIV. The platform is expected to address challenges related to viral load (VL) and early infant diagnosis (EID) tests, which were previously only available at distant locations like KEMRI, AMPATH in Eldoret, and Walter Reed in Kericho.
Owili projected that the introduction of the molecular laboratory will lead to a dramatic reduction in turnaround times for test results. “The results for samples processed at KCRH will be available on the same day, while results for peripheral healthcare facilities within the network will be delivered within 24 to 72 hours. This marks a significant improvement in providing timely results for Kisumu residents and beyond,” he elaborated.
The launch of this state-of-the-art facility comes at a crucial time as Kisumu continues to grapple with a high HIV burden, with a prevalence rate of 14.5% according to the Kenya HIV Estimate 2023. The new diagnostic platform is expected to play a pivotal role in managing and mitigating the impact of HIV and other critical health issues in the region.
The establishment of the DNA and CPR Molecular Diagnostic Platform at Kisumu County Referral Hospital represents a major advancement in the county’s healthcare capabilities. By enhancing diagnostic accuracy, reducing turnaround times, and expanding testing services, Kisumu is set to improve health outcomes for its residents and set a new standard for healthcare delivery in the region.
