Policy & Regulation
Roche Diagnostics supplies molecular testing instruments to support Ebola response in the DRC
7 October 2026 -

Swiss healthcare company Roche (SIX: RO, ROP; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced on Wednesday that it has supplied two molecular testing instruments to the Institut National de Santé Publique (INSP) to expand Ebola testing capacity in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Light cycler and Magna Pure units will be preconfigured by Roche, with local laboratory technicians trained ahead of deployment to Bunia. The INSP will conduct local validation, after which further tests and additional instruments could be shipped.

As of 28 September 2026, UN Health Authority data recorded 8,067 confirmed cases and 3,901 deaths across 60 health zones in six provinces, giving a case fatality rate of 48.4%. WHO continues to classify the outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern.

Rapid laboratory testing remains central to case detection, surveillance and efforts to interrupt transmission. WHO's temporary recommendations for the DRC emphasise strengthened surveillance, investigation and case finding.

The delivery follows Roche's June announcement of a Research Use Only PCR test targeting Bundibugyo virus. Once validation of the Research Use Only test is complete, Roche expects to deploy more instruments and accelerate delivery of additional tests to support the response.

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