Matibabu, which means ‘medical centre’ in Swahili, is a low cost, reusable device that clips onto the user’s finger. Without requiring any expertise to operate, the results are shown within one minute on a mobile phone that’s linked to the device. Matibabu uses red light to detect changes in the shape, colour and concentration of red blood cells, all of which are affected by malaria.
Of the 400,000 deaths globally due to malaria, 90% are in sub-Saharan Africa, mostly in children below five. Malaria kills more children under five in this region than HIV.
All available tests for malaria require blood samples which are invasive, expensive and time-consuming. Brian and his colleagues decided to develop the device after missing lectures, having had malaria several times. Matibabu is aimed at individuals, health centres and diagnostic suppliers. The team also aims to set up the device on the streets to allow people to buy a single test at a time.
