Brazil has spent over US$500,000 in setting up a laboratory specialised in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis in São Tomé and Príncipe, which should become operational within eight months, said the Brazilian ambassador.

Ambassador José Carlos Leitao, cited by the Brazilian press said the lab will allow for “correct diagnosis” of tuberculosis in São Tomé and Príncipe and will be provided with the “most modern equipment” available.

The coordinator of Fight Against Tuberculosis Programme of São Tomé and Príncipe said that installing a laboratory for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease is “very important” as the country has cases of drug-resistant TB others with infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

The Brazilian diplomat to São Tomé and Príncipe said the laboratory would prevent samples being sent to laboratories in Cameroon and make it possible to detect cases of TB more quickly. (macauhub/BR/ST)