Growing Demand For Infectious Disease Diagnostics Across East Africa

Main Category: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 09 Jul 2008 - 3:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Infectious disease diagnostics markets across east Africa are expanding steadily. This is mainly due to the increasing number of patients on antiretrovirals (ARVs) and the scaling up of voluntary counselling and testing programmes in the region.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, East African Infectious Disease Diagnostics Markets, finds that the markets earned revenues of USD15.5 million in 2007 and estimates this to reach USD35.1 million in 2013.

"East African governments are in the process of scaling up voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) as well as antiretroviral (ARV) treatment programmes," notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Tiwonge Mkandawire. "In addition, rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kits are being introduced for the screening and diagnosis of malaria in primary health facilities. The increase in numbers of patients in both cases is driving the demand for rapid diagnostic test kits and laboratory consumables."

Key east African countries, including Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, receive financial support from several international funding organisations involved in HIV and malaria control. Organisations such as the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the Global Fund and the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI) are investing sizeable amounts of money in the development of laboratory infrastructure and the purchase of RDTs and consumables.

However, post-election violence in Kenya has resulted in a state of instability in the East African region. Kenya is generally considered the region's economic hub and if political instability persists, there is likely to be a negative ripple effect on market growth. This is especially because malaria and HIV markets rely heavily on sales to government establishments.

"Moreover, inefficient public procurement systems tend to result in delays in delivery and payments for medical consumables," adds Mkandawire. "Consequently, products with short shelf lives are at risk of expiring before they reach their intended destination. This can affect revenues."

The procurement of equipment, consumables and RDTs is supported in most cases by international agencies such as GTZ, WHO and JSI. Early product placement and negotiation of contracts with these organisations is essential for a company to compete effectively in the region. Direct communication with these organisations provides a better guarantee of payment and long-term sales.

East African Infectious Disease Diagnostics Markets is part of the Medical Devices Growth Partnership Services Programme, which also includes research in the following markets: Key Sub-Saharan African Ultrasound Markets, Growth Opportunities in the South African Patient Monitoring Market and Strategic Analysis of the South African Advanced Wound Care Market. All research included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. Interviews with the press are available.

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, partners with clients to accelerate their growth. The company's TEAM Research, Growth Consulting and Growth Team Membership™ empower clients to create a growth focused culture that generates, evaluates and implements effective growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan employs over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 30 offices on six continents.

Frost & Sullivan