Molbio Diagnostics Deploys Decentralised Molecular Testing Solution Amid Ongoing Ebola Outbreak
Portable Truenat-based PCR testing supports rapid detection of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo viruses
8th June 2026, India: On 17 May, the World Health Organization declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. As of 21 May, 746 suspected cases and 176 deaths among suspected cases had been reported in the DRC. Across both countries, 85 confirmed cases, including 2 in Uganda, and 10 deaths among confirmed cases, including 1 in Uganda, had been reported.
The current outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo virus. Along with the Ebola virus and Sudan virus, it is one of three viruses known to cause large outbreaks of Ebola disease.
On 22 May, Molbio Diagnostics participated in the emergency consultation convened by the World Health Organization and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), bringing together key stakeholders to accelerate the research, development, and deployment of decentralised diagnostic solutions to support outbreak response efforts. The consultation highlighted significant challenges arising from the limited availability of appropriate decentralised testing solutions for the disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus.
Molbio has developed a real-time PCR test capable of detecting Ebola disease caused by all three outbreak-associated viruses — Ebola virus, Sudan virus, and Bundibugyo virus. Designed for decentralised settings, the test runs on Molbio’s near-patient portable Truenat platform and delivers results in approximately one hour, enabling faster clinical decision-making and timely public health intervention.
Molbio is currently working closely with the World Health Organization, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, and local authorities to validate the test on clinical specimens urgently. Initial deployment has commenced, and test kits have already reached affected regions in Uganda and the DRC.
Molbio remains committed to supporting public health authorities and global health agencies in strengthening outbreak preparedness and response through accessible molecular diagnostics.
About Molbio Diagnostics Limited:
Molbio Diagnostics Limited is an innovative point-of-care diagnostics company. With a commitment to providing rapid, accurate, and cost-effective diagnostic solutions, Molbio brings advanced healthcare technologies to the remotest areas. The company’s flagship Truenat®️ real-time PCR platform is globally recognized and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), enhancing infectious disease management worldwide. Molbio is dedicated to improving healthcare accessibility and quality with innovative diagnostics that meet global standards.
