Fighting Tuberculosis: Nigeria as a Model for Africa and the World
HUMAN Diagnostics hosts high-level expert meeting in Wiesbaden
Diplomats, health officials, and industry experts gathered at HUMAN Diagnostics’ headquarters in Wiesbaden for an international expert event to discuss innovative strategies to accelerate the elimination of tuberculosis (TB). The focus was on the successful implementation of the molecular diagnostic solution TB-LAMP, distributed by HUMAN Diagnostics, which has achieved remarkable results in Nigeria.
In his keynote presentation, “Accelerating TB Eradication: Lessons from Nigeria for Africa and the Rest of the World,” Dr. Bethrand Odume, Managing Director of the KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation Nigeria, shared impressive outcomes from the nationwide rollout of TB-LAMP. Supported by USAID and the Global Fund, and implemented in partnership with Nigeria’s National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP), the project has become a milestone in TB diagnostics across Africa.
Since its launch with five pilot sites in 2021, the network has grown to more than 100 TB-
LAMP instruments across all 36 Nigerian states. In just four years, over 500,000 suspected TB samples have been tested, leading to a 35% increase in case detection. At the same time, the diagnostic gap between reported and estimated TB cases has been significantly reduced—especially in rural areas with limited electricity access (see presentation attached).
Dr. Odume emphasized that TB-LAMP, with its solar-powered, user-friendly design and a test duration of under two hours, is ideally suited to Nigeria’s conditions. “Our experience shows that innovation must be practical,” said Dr. Odume. “By adapting technology to local realities, we close diagnostic gaps and move much closer to the global goal of a TB-free world.”
The participants were welcomed by Diederik J. van Vliet and Dr. Christine Hettmann- Dreuw, Managing Directors of HUMAN Diagnostics. Application Specialist Dr. Salma Hamed provided a live demonstration of TB-LAMP technology. Distinguished guests included H.E. Prof. Ohene Adjei, Ambassador of Ghana to Germany; H.E. Dr. Yakubu A. Dadu, Consul General of Nigeria in Frankfurt; representatives from the Embassy of Uganda; and delegates from the Hessian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Hessen Trade & Invest (HTAI). Partners such as EIKEN Chemical Co., Ltd. (Japan) and McPage Nigeria, HUMAN’s local service partner, also attended.
A highlight of the event was the symbolic donation ceremony, underscoring the shared commitment to strengthening diagnostics across Africa. Dr. Christine Hettmann-Dreuw and Jasmin Zahn from HUMAN Diagnostics, together with Junji Arita (Head of the Global Health Team, EIKEN Chemical Co., Ltd., manufacturer of TB-LAMP), presented HumaLoop T instruments—compact devices for sample preparation, amplification, and simple visual TB result interpretation—along with 200 test kits to country representatives.
In addition, Dr. Bethrand Odume received a symbolic scholarship for Nigerian students, representing an investment in the nation’s future and HUMAN’s long-term commitment to partnership, education, and sustainable development—toward a healthy and self-empowered Africa strengthened through knowledge transfer and innovation.
The event concluded with networking and professional exchange, as well as a group
photo—sending a strong signal for international collaboration and innovation on the
path toward the WHO’s vision of a TB-free world by 2030.
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