The Ministry of Health (MOH) through the National Malaria Control Program has deployed an automated malaria diagnostic machine (XN-31 analyzer) at the Ahero County Hospital Laboratory, Nyando Sub-County, Kisumu County marking a significant milestone in the fight against disease.
Ahero Hospital earned the groundbreaking opportunity to participate in evaluating the revolutionary XN-31 analyzer equipment due to its commitment to delivering superior healthcare services and posting exceptional performance in malaria microscopy diagnosis nationally.
The specialized machine can detect and count malaria-infected Red Blood Cells within a minute with excellent sensitivity and specificity promising to address malaria diagnostic challenges and enhance the accuracy and efficiency in treating the endemic disease.
Kisumu County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Dr. Gregory Ganda commended the milestone saying it signals a new era in malaria diagnosis for the region.
He celebrated the remarkable accomplishments of the Ahero Hospital team for their unwavering commitment to healthcare excellence that has elevated the facility’s status and placed Kisumu County on the map as a hub for innovative and exemplary healthcare practices.
“The significance of this milestone extends beyond the walls of Ahero Hospital. It reflects the dedication and expertise of the healthcare professionals who tirelessly serve the community. The selection of Ahero Hospital for this evaluation underscores its national reputation for excellence in malaria diagnosis,” stated Dr. Ganda.
Kisumu County Department of Health has launched a comprehensive training program for medical laboratory officers to equip healthcare professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively operate the XN-31 equipment.
The state-of-the-art equipment was installed adhering to the stringent quality standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 15189), ensuring optimal functionality and accuracy in a bid to enhance the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities.
Upon successful evaluation exercise of the XN-31 analyzer in the sampled health facilities, MOH is set to roll out the equipment to all public hospitals to bolster malaria diagnoses and strengthen primary healthcare systems in the country.
By Robert Ojwang’
