Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD) has reached a historic milestone in the fight against measles in Africa. Its research teams have developed the SURUA Measles IgM, the world’s first rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for measles to receive international recommendation — enabling fast, reliable detection directly at the point of care.
An African Innovation with Global Reach
Unlike conventional diagnostic methods that require sophisticated laboratory equipment and lengthy turnaround times, the SURUA Measles IgM detects measles-specific IgM antibodies rapidly and accurately. This capability is decisive in resource-limited settings, where every hour matters when containing an outbreak.
The concrete benefits of this test are threefold:
-> Faster outbreak detection, enabling immediate public health response.
-> More targeted and effective vaccination interventions.
-> Significant reduction in transmission, mortality, and long-term complications in children.
An International Evaluation Endorsed by WHO
The SURUA Measles IgM underwent a rigorous independent evaluation led by the World Health Organization (WHO). Following this process, the test was recommended for use within the Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network (GMRLN), making it the first rapid test ever to achieve this distinction worldwide.
This international recognition validates the scientific excellence of IPD and positions the Senegalese institution among global leaders in infectious disease diagnostics.
A National Clinical Study Across Senegal
In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene of Senegal, IPD deployed the test as part of a national multicenter prospective clinical study covering six health districts and more than thirty health facilities across the country. This study aims to generate real-world performance data to support large-scale deployment.
Similar evaluations are planned in at least four other African countries, with a particular focus on use by community health workers — the frontline actors in measles control and elimination.
Made in Africa, for Africa and the World
The SURUA Measles IgM exemplifies Africa’s capacity to produce scientific innovations with global impact. It directly addresses the continent’s health sovereignty challenges by offering a diagnostic tool adapted to African field realities, while meeting the highest international standards.
This breakthrough reflects the core mission of Institut Pasteur de Dakar: advancing public health in Africa and worldwide through research, innovation, and capacity building.
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