The existing solutions for molecular diagnostics are not sufficiently accessible, rapid, or compatible to serve as a point-of-care alternative. This limitation hinders the development of strategies to control infectious diseases. Our project aims to address this issue by developing a device, named OmniBOX, for the molecular detection of arboviruses – including dengue, zika, and chikungunya – as well as Leishmania spp. and Schistosoma mansoni.

OmniBOX, aptly named for its portability and user-friendly interface, allows results to be read and interpreted by non-specialists. The device itself will detect and display the result, which can also be accessed via Bluetooth on a mobile application. Accurate disease diagnosis is crucial as it guides treatment, enhances the likelihood of early recovery, and is essential for case reporting that can inform public health interventions.