Connaught Hospital has successfully completed landmark clinical studies on two innovative rapid diagnostic tests in partnership with biotechnology manufacturer YouBest Zhejiang Biotechnology Co., Ltd. and its exclusive Sierra Leone distributor, Gemstar Pharmacy. The achievement marks a significant milestone in strengthening evidence-based healthcare and introducing advanced diagnostic technologies to improve patient care across the country.
The findings of the studies, which focused on the HNL Rapid Test and the Pepsin Rapid Test, were presented during a Joint Project Report Meeting attended by healthcare professionals, medical researchers and industry stakeholders. The studies provide locally generated clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of the two diagnostic tools for use among African populations.
As Sierra Leone’s national referral hospital, Connaught Hospital led the clinical trials over several months to ensure the technologies were scientifically validated and suitable for local clinical practice.
The HNL Rapid Test study, led by Principal Investigator Dr. Samuel Atiba, demonstrated the test’s ability to rapidly distinguish bacterial infections from other types of infections. Medical experts believe the innovation will enable clinicians to make faster and more accurate treatment decisions while promoting responsible antibiotic use and helping to combat antimicrobial resistance.
The Pepsin Rapid Test study, under the leadership of Principal Investigator Dr. Edries Tejan, established the effectiveness of a non-invasive diagnostic approach for identifying reflux-related diseases. The test is expected to improve the speed and accuracy of diagnosis, allowing patients to receive appropriate treatment much earlier.
Delivering the keynote address, the Care Manager of Connaught Hospital, Dr. Mark Ibrahim Kapuwa, described the successful completion of the studies as an important step toward modernizing healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone.
He noted that adopting innovative diagnostic technologies goes beyond introducing new medical products, stressing that they improve diagnostic accuracy, enhance patient outcomes, reduce unnecessary treatments and strengthen the country’s healthcare system.
Dr. Kapuwa said the encouraging results from the local clinical studies provide greater confidence for healthcare professionals to incorporate the diagnostic tools into routine clinical practice. He encouraged key hospital departments, including Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Gastroenterology, Paediatrics and the Clinical Laboratory, to begin integrating the tests into their clinical services.
To facilitate nationwide adoption of the new technologies, YouBest announced an innovative equipment procurement model designed to reduce financial barriers for healthcare institutions.
Under the arrangement, participating hospitals will receive the required diagnostic equipment at no initial cost. Once an agreed quantity of test kits has been purchased, ownership of the equipment will automatically be transferred to the healthcare institution.
Representing YouBest Zhejiang Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Dr. Sisi Lua described the completion of the clinical trials as the beginning of a long-term partnership aimed at improving healthcare services in Sierra Leone.
She said every new diagnostic product should be supported by strong scientific evidence and close collaboration with local healthcare professionals. She added that YouBest, working alongside Gemstar Pharmacy, will provide installation services, technical training, operational support and continuous scientific engagement to ensure healthcare providers maximise the benefits of the new technologies.
Chief Executive Officer of Gemstar Pharmacy, Alhaji Ahmed Shaw, announced that both the HNL and Pepsin Rapid Tests are already available for immediate distribution to hospitals and healthcare facilities across Sierra Leone.
He assured stakeholders that Gemstar Pharmacy has established a reliable supply chain capable of maintaining uninterrupted nationwide availability of the products, eliminating concerns about shortages.
According to him, the company’s commitment extends beyond product distribution to ensuring efficient logistics and dependable support for healthcare providers throughout the country.
Gemstar Pharmacy and YouBest also invited hospitals and medical institutions across Sierra Leone to collaborate in expanding access to the innovative diagnostic solutions, with the goal of improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes nationwide.
The successful completion of the clinical studies represents a significant advancement for Sierra Leone’s healthcare sector and reinforces growing collaboration between local medical institutions and international biotechnology partners to introduce scientifically validated diagnostic innovations that support faster diagnosis, better treatment decisions and improved quality of patient care.
