BULAWAYO, Jul. 24 (NewsDay Live) – The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) has received a HumaLoop T molecular tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic system to strengthen TB screening and improve healthcare in correctional facilities.
The equipment was donated by Prime Health Medical Diagnostic Laboratories on the sidelines of the 13th Zimbabwe Uniformed Forces Health Services Annual Scientific Conference.
Deputy Commissioner-General for Support Services Christina Manhivi received the system on behalf of ZPCS from Prime Health Medical Diagnostic Laboratories chief executive officer Edgar Chandiwana.
Chandiwana said the donation was intended to enhance diagnostic capacity within the country’s uniformed forces.
“Our uniformed forces serve with courage. This equipment will enable early detection and swift intervention,” he said.
Acting Commissioner for Health Services Assistant Commissioner Memory Makuchete said the HumaLoop T uses TB-LAMP technology to detect tuberculosis in sputum samples within one to two hours and can process up to 70 samples a day.
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“For ZPCS, it enables faster diagnosis at facility level without referring samples to central laboratories, supporting same-day treatment,” Makuchete said.
She said the technology would be particularly valuable in correctional facilities, where overcrowding and close living conditions increase the risk of TB transmission.
“The system will improve active case finding, speed up isolation and reduce transmission,” she said.
The donation supports ZPCS’ transformation agenda and complements national efforts to strengthen tuberculosis detection and control in high-risk settings.