New Molecular Testing Support to Strengthen Ebola Surveillance in DRC

Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus continues to drive an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where testing demand is exceeding current laboratory capacity. As of September 28, 2026, reported data showed 8,067 confirmed cases and 3,901 deaths, with a 48.4% case fatality rate across 60 health zones in six provinces. A newly delivered molecular testing setup now aims to reinforce local Ebola testing capacity and support the Ministry of Health-led response.

Roche Diagnostics has provided two molecular testing instruments to the Institut National de Santé Publique (INSP), which is supporting the DRC’s Ministry of Health-led Ebola response. The instruments, identified as LightCycler and MagNA Pure systems, will be preconfigured by Roche before deployment. Local laboratory technicians will receive training before the equipment is sent to Bunia for validation testing.

Image: As the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak continues in the DRC, testing demand is exceeding laboratory capacity, underscoring the need for public-private partnerships to strengthen the response (Image Credit: 123RF)

The laboratory support follows Roche’s June development of a Research Use Only molecular PCR test targeting Bundibugyo virus. The Bundibugyo virus Research Use Only test is for research use only and is not for use in diagnostic procedures. With the instruments now in the DRC, the collaboration is intended to build local testing capacity and secure the regulatory validation needed before further tests are shipped.

Rapid, reliable laboratory testing is described as vital to outbreak response because it supports case detection, surveillance, and efforts to interrupt transmission. World Health Organization temporary recommendations for the DRC emphasize strengthened surveillance, case detection, and investigation as part of ongoing efforts to curb the outbreak. Once validation of the Research Use Only tests is complete, Roche anticipates deploying additional instruments and expediting delivery of more tests to support the response.

“Outbreak response depends on having the right testing capability available where it is needed. By working with the INSP to provide equipment, training and support for local validation, Roche Diagnostics is helping to expand the laboratory capacity available to the dedicated responders in the DRC. At this critical time, local expertise is crucial to fighting the outbreak, and this is an important step forward in expanding testing capacity to help respond to local needs,” said Johan Descombes, General Manager, Francophone West Africa.