Erada, a South African startup that pioneers innovative and rapid diagnostic solution has received €288,000 grant. The fund was granted by London-based mining company, De Beers Group for the creation of a Saliva-based Malaria Test.
The saliva-based test, clinically referred to as Saliva-based Malaria Asymptomatic and Asexual Rapid Test (SMAART), is currently undergoing field trials and is set to be commercialized and distributed in 2020 under the name SALVA!
Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Though the disease is preventable and curable, its prevalence in Africa has grown over the years. In 2017, there were 219 million reported cases of malaria in 87 countries which resulted in 435000 deaths. In 2017, Africa alone recorded 92% of malaria cases and 93% of deaths as a result of malaria.
SALVA! will play a major role in accurate diagnostic testing and surveillance of malaria, as well as prevention of the disease. The malaria diagnostic test will meet the World Health Organisation’s 2030 target to reduce malaria pandemic and mortality rates by 90%.
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De Beers Group is a mining cooperation operational in South Africa, Botswana, Canada, and Namibia. The company has a history of supporting community and health projects, of which sponsoring the malaria test kit is one of their recent activities.
The General Manager of De Beers Group’s Venetia Diamond Mine in South Africa, Gerrie Nortje said the funding was in a bid to combat unique challenges encountered during mining and exploration. He noted that the investment will impact African lives as the endemic disease is prevalent in the country. He further expressed satisfaction that the company is taking a ‘pivotal part in the eradication of the most pervasive and destructive disease on the planet.
In a statement released by Erada Alliance’s founder, Dr. Benji Pretorius, said the grant will help Erada complete all preparatory work before the field/clinical launch and commercialization of the product.
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