Increased Awareness of Diagnostic Tools Spurs Market for Testing and Monitoring Key Diseases in East Africa
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
- Shortage of Trained Personnel Threatens to Derail Growth in this Lucrative Market
The high prevalence of infectious diseases, particularly HIV/AIDS and malaria, continues to receive attention from both local governments, as well as donor agencies across East Africa. As the focus shifts to prevention and early diagnosis, lucrative opportunities abound for testing and monitoring of these and other key diseases in the region.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.drugdiscovery.frost.com), The Market for Testing and Monitoring Key Diseases in East Africa, finds that the market for testing and monitoring HIV, malaria, TB, HPV and diabetes in East Africa was valued at $ 400.1 million in 2010. The market is estimated to present an opportunity of $ 715.7 million in 2017. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are the key countries covered in the research.
"Healthcare professionals in the region are more aware of the value added by clinical diagnosis and are more open to the use of diagnostic tools," notes Frost & Sullivan's Healthcare Research Analyst Tinotenda Sachikonye. "Government initiatives and disease management policies are emphasising more accurate diagnosis, particularly as resistance to some medicines increases. They are recommending that diseases, such as malaria, be diagnosed on clinical, rather than symptomatic, evidence."
The treatment of some key diseases, particularly HIV/AIDS and TB, require that medicines be continually monitored for their efficacy. As more people in the region access treatment for these diseases, persistent demand for monitoring services will drive market growth.
However, the shortage of technically skilled personnel to perform laboratory diagnosis, and monitor diseases, presents a serious challenge to market prospects.
Although several donor agencies and multinational companies are involved in training laboratory personnel, shortages continue to prevail, as retention of trained personnel is difficult. As a result, medical laboratories are often understaffed, with many patients being diagnosed based on symptoms, as the processing of laboratory results is time consuming.
"In a market that is not only crucial for the management of diseases, but one that also presents lucrative opportunities, it is important that technical skills are retained," remarks Sachikonye. "It is vital to understand and address the main underlying issues of why trained personnel prefer to leave their countries of origin. Incentives can be offered to technically skilled personnel to keep them in the region."
If you are interested in more information on this study, please send an e-mail with your contact details to Samantha James, Corporate Communications, at samantha.james@frost.com.
The Market for Testing and Monitoring Key Diseases in East Africa is part of the Clinical Diagnostics Growth Partnership Services programme, which also includes research in the following markets: testing and monitoring HIV, malaria, TB, HPV and diabetes in East Africa. All research included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best-practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages 50 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 40 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit http://www.frost.com.
The Market for Testing and Monitoring Key Diseases in East Africa
M732-55
Contact:
Samantha James
Corporate Communications - Africa
P: +27-21-680-3574
F: +27-21-680-3296
E: samantha.james@frost.com
Share this article