The newly developed diagnosing PSR Kit Ready for Uganda and foreign markets: STI Experts.
Drake Nyamugabwa
Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) together with Makerere University developed a diagnosing kit known as a prototype of polymerase spiral reaction (PSR), under the UGX 3 Billion project, a cost experts say was less than the Kit if it was to be imported from abroad saving government tax money equivalent to UGX 140 Billion.
This was revealed during the Manifesto week where different MDA are presenting their performances against specific commitments in the manifesto.
Dr. Cosmas Mwikirize, The Superintendent of Industrial Value Chains Development at the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation during an interview on the sidelines of the Manifesto week presentations, said that the ministry plans to scale up production of the kits to meet the growing demand in Uganda and abroad.
He said that developing Uganda's own diagnosing kit has saved much money that would otherwise be sped to import the equipment adding that more diseases can now be diagnosed including malaria, HIV, and outbreaks.
“The Market is big for the local kits in Uganda and Africa at large, we have more than 50 kits in the production pipeline to meet local needs and Africa. We supported Makerere University since 2021 when we started production” he said
According to Dr Cosmas, the polymerase spiral reaction (PSR) as a new diagnostic technique for infectious diseases.
“PSR is an isothermal amplification method that uses Bst polymerase enzyme to amplify DNA at a constant temperature without the need for denaturation. It has advantages over PCR and LAMP such as being simpler, more cost-effective, sensitive, specific, and not requiring specialized equipment” he said
Dr. Cosmas added that they are working with NEMA to innovate around waste management using technology generating energy from waste, recycling waste based in universities, and separating of waste into bi-degradable waste for manure among other initiatives.
Prof. Sunde Sten Togboa, The Executive Chairman Kiira Motors Ltd said that there is a need for training institutions to ensure that there is a change in the attitude of teaching science lessons to make them interested and demystify the norm that they are difficult.
He said this will be achieved when children and teachers learn and teach science respectively through the education system
The Manifesto week runs from 22nd November to 5th December 2024 at the office of the president auditorium.
