I expect that this product can be mass-produced
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Products based on the results of research conducted by universities, such as the dengue fever diagnostic kit, must be utilized by health facilities, Deputy Minister of Health Dante Saksono Harbuwono has said.

The government has lauded the unveiling of the dengue fever diagnostic kit, he remarked during the kit's online launch on Tuesday.

This is because it has shown that research results from universities do not only come in the form of journals, but also products that can be utilized by health facilities, he said.

The diagnostic kit is practical, inexpensive, and easy to use, he added.

"This product is produced domestically. I expect that this product can be mass-produced," he said.

He also called for strong collaboration between universities, the industry, and clinical practitioners.

On Tuesday, the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Indonesia (UI) unveiled the quick and early diagnostic test kit for dengue named the NS-1 protein rapid diagnostic test (RDT).

The kit is the result of research conducted as part of UI's study programs by Beti Ernawati Dewi, Leonard Nainggolan, Fithriyah, Andriansjah Rukmana, Evy Suryani, and Hidayati Desti.

Head of the team of researchers Dewi said that dengue fever cases have continued to rise every year. In fact, during the COVID-19 pandemic, their number reached 100 thousand.

Moreover, infections due to mosquito bites are often identified too late since the clinical symptoms are not specific, she explained.

Handling a dengue virus infection early before it enters the critical phase can help reduce the risk of patient mortality, she said.

"Early detection can identify the existence of the dengue virus so that fogging can immediately be done to break the chain of dengue virus spread," she added.

The diagnostic kit can detect an infection at the early stage and all existing serotypes in a rapid and affordable manner.

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Translator: Indriani, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Sri Haryati
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