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OPTIC-TB: Challenges on the way in remote facilities in DRC October 2025

Our colleague Célestin demonstrated outstanding commitment to the OPTIC-TB research and implementation project by reaching remote and hard-to-access areas such as Mwenga, Kamituga, Kitutu and Lugushwa at over 300 Km.

Published: (Updated: )

Photograph showing a person on a heavily loaded motorcycle crossing shallow water near a shore, with a white off-road vehicle partially submerged in the background. The scene highlights challenges of transportation in rugged, watery terrain, featuring colorful bags on the motorcycle and clear water revealing rocky bottom.
Photo: Célestin Ndwanyi

In these settings, poor or unsafe road conditions often required him to travel by motorbike—and at times even continue on foot—while carrying diagnostic TB cartridges and providing hands-on training to clinicians on the use of OPTIC-TB tools. 

His work directly contributes to strengthening early detection, diagnostic pathways, and clinical decision-making for children under 10 years exhibiting TB symptoms, ensuring that our implementation research reaches the populations who need it most.

This is what scientific commitment in the field truly looks like.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our funders and to all OPTIC-TB consortium collaborators whose support makes this work possible.

Photograph showing a person wearing a bright orange and yellow jacket and white boots struggling to lift a red motorcycle stuck in a deep muddy trench. The motorcycle is loaded with multiple large bags tied to the back, and other people with boots are visible in the background on rough, muddy terrain.
Photo: Célestin Ndwanyi
Photograph of five people standing outside a small rural hospital building." The building has three green doors and the ground in front shows a patch of disturbed earth with scattered debris.
Photo: Célestin Ndwanyi
Photograph showing a muddy outdoor area with three people engaged in digging or excavation activities near dense green foliage. One person stands in the foreground wearing boots and holding a bag, while two others work closely together in the mud.
Photo: Célestin Ndwanyi