The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has decided to donate 30,000 units of “QuickNavi™-Ebola,” a rapid diagnostic kit for the Ebola virus developed in Japan, to help respond to the Ebola hemorrhagic fever outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On September 22, 2026, JICA initially donated 550 kits to the country’s National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) as part of an emergency response.
Scenes from the donation ceremony. INRB Director Muenbe (third from the left, recipient of the 3rd Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize), JICA Democratic Republic of the Congo Office Director Okitsu (third from the right), and representatives from INRB and JICA
The donation of these diagnostic kits was carried out as part of the technical cooperation project titled “Project to Strengthen One Health Surveillance for the Early Detection, Alert, and Response to Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers,” which JICA is implementing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia. This project aims to enhance early detection capabilities for viral hemorrhagic fevers and, based on the “One Health” approach—which views human, animal, and environmental health as an integrated whole—is working to strengthen collaboration among relevant agencies and reinforce surveillance systems.
INRB officials with the “Quicknavi™-Ebola” rapid Ebola diagnostic kit provided by JICA
“QuickNavi™-Ebola” is a rapid diagnostic kit developed in Japan through a joint effort between Hokkaido University and Denka Co., Ltd. It can detect antigens not only for the conventional Zaire Ebola virus but also for the Bundibugyo Ebola virus, which is currently causing an outbreak. Furthermore, since it requires no special analytical equipment and can produce results in approximately 10 minutes, it can be used even in remote areas with limited power and testing facilities. It is expected to enable the rapid triage of patients suspected of being infected, thereby contributing to the prevention of the spread of infection and ensuring the safety of healthcare workers. This is the first time this kit has been introduced on a large scale following approval for use in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, marking an instance where technology developed in Japan is being utilized on the front lines of the fight against the spread of the virus.
QuickNavi™-Ebola, jointly developed by Hokkaido University and Denka Co., Ltd.
Through this grant, JICA aims to contribute to the early detection of infectious diseases and the prevention of their spread, while also working to further strengthen the testing capabilities of local institutions.
Infectious diseases, including Ebola hemorrhagic fever, spread across borders through human travel and the movement of goods, and have a significant impact on the global economy and social stability; therefore, it is crucial for the world to cooperate in efforts to prevent the spread of these diseases. By leveraging Japan’s technology and expertise, we will work to detect infectious diseases early and prevent their spread, while also contributing to the development of resilient health systems capable of responding to future crises.
© Source JICA