By Andrea Hargraves 
The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) will produce 600,000 molecular diagnostic tests (RT-PCR) for dengue this year. The initial expectations were 300,000 tests, but the quantity doubled due to the epidemiological and emergency situation in some municipalities in the country.
Half of this production will be completed in the first months of 2024 and the rest throughout the year. The first tests are scheduled to be delivered to the Ministry of Health in the coming weeks, according to the institution. The tests make it possible to confirm infection and determine the circulating serotype of dengue (1, 2, 3 and 4), Zika and chikungunya.
According to Mario Moreira, President of Fiocruz, the Foundation is strengthening its commitment to confronting the epidemiological challenges facing the country.
“This initiative aims to promote accurate and flexible diagnosis, allowing for an effective response to diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti. We are committed to contributing to national public health and will continue to work tirelessly to contribute to the health of our population.”
“[O Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiológicos] Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz monitors the epidemiological situation of dengue in the country and strengthens its important role in supporting diagnosis with the Ministry of Health. Our teams are engaged and committed, not only to double this expected quantity, but also to implement this “Delivered as quickly as possible. As quickly as possible,” adds Mauricio Zuma, Fiocruz Unit Director.