Social Diagnostics Start-Up to Provide Simple, Affordable Tests Worldwide

The Royal Tropical Institute (KIT; Amsterdam, Netherlands) is establishing a nonprofit, social diagnostics company that develops and markets tests for the diagnosis of poverty-related diseases.

Infectious diseases have a global impact; they take no account of national borders and influence the stability of societies in matters of health and development. Paul Klatser, unit manager at KIT Biomedical Research and Donald Kalff, investor and formerly a director at KLM and Shell, have joined forces in taking the initiative to establish "OneDiagnostics," with the ambition to improve the health of disadvantaged people worldwide. “I consider it a moral obligation to develop and share this type of knowledge. Both the private sector and governments are failing with regard to their support. In the Netherlands it is inconceivable to prescribe antibiotics for a fever without first having been examined by a doctor. This is however often the case in low- and middle-income countries. Not only does this leave people to remain ill or even die, it also increasingly leads to antibiotic resistance," said Mr. Klatser.

"In the ‘Western world’ we have the knowledge to treat most diseases effectively—with a timely diagnosis. The required medicines are affordable and available, also in low- and middle-income countries" said Mr. Klatser. "We are not restricting ourselves to only developing simple tests. We will also market them and invest in the correct provision of information about diagnostics and treatment, and our ultimate goal is local development and production.”

OneDiagnostics expects to need EUR 2.5 million for the start-up of the company. This would make it possible to market the first tests for brucellosis, leptospirosis, typhoid fever, and leishmaniasis. There are more plans, such as low-cost tests for tuberculosis, malaria, and a combined test for HIV and syphilis, especially intended for pregnant women in developing countries.

“We have a business plan and are now working hard to find funds to make a good start and we hope that investors will receive a small financial return in the future," said Mr. Klatser, "We will provide affordable, quality products with honest, scientifically substantiated information. The real benefit lies in the difference that OneDiagnostics will make with respect to the health of millions.”

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Royal Tropical Institute (KIT)