Detecting diseases in early stages: How innovation can help save lives

Torpout Nyarikjor, an engineering student at Dilla University in southern Ethiopia, invented an instant malaria detector after having lost his brother for malaria. His discovery blood checks for malaria instantly, enabling the early treatment of the disease and increasing the likelihood of survival.

The detector, which won a regional innovation competition, is about 70% accurate now. However, investors are already willing to back the young student and make the invention foolproof.

Nyarikjor’s discovery is an excellent example of how innovation can complement current tools and help to address malaria’s social and economic burden. Gene drive is only one innovative tool that can contribute to controlling vector-borne diseases.

To learn more about the instant malaria detector, visit here.