Roche announces support for infant HIV diagnosis in Africa

Roche is to supply testing equipment to bolster efforts to improve HIV and Aids detection rates among young children in South Africa.

The company has been awarded an exclusive contract by the country's National Health Laboratory Services as part of the Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) Programme, which is the world's largest infant testing initiative.

Using Roche's dried blood sampling technique, children can be screened in a stress-free and efficient way, allowing infants affected by the disease to be diagnosed within the first few months of life.

Because the blood samples are dried, this method will reduce the need for blood storage and transportation methods that are reliant on refrigeration.

Daniel O'Day, chief operating officer for Roche Diagnostics, said: "With EID and other programmes, we reiterate our commitment to healthcare solutions which make a real difference to children in South Africa."

Earlier this week, the company published its financial report for the first half of 2011, during which it saw stable sales and improved profits compared to the corresponding period of last year.