Connaught Hospital Teaching Hospital Care Manager, Dr Mark Ibrahim Kapuwa giving the keynote speech
In a major milestone for the West African healthcare landscape, Connaught Hospital, in collaboration with biotechnology manufacturer YouBest Zhejiang Biotechnology Co., Ltd. and exclusive local distributor Gemstar Pharmacy, has officially announced the successful completion of local clinical studies for two breakthrough diagnostic tools: the HNL Rapid Test and the Pepsin Rapid Test.
The findings, which establish vital local clinical evidence for the African population, were presented at a joint Project Report Meeting attended by leading healthcare professionals, medical researchers, and industry partners.
Lead Investigator for the Pepsin study, Dr Edries Tejan, presenting the findings
Advancing Evidence-Based Diagnostics in Sierra Leone
As Sierra Leone’s national referral hospital, Connaught Hospital spearheaded the clinical trials over several months to ensure the new technologies deliver practical, scientifically validated value to local clinicians and patients.
The HNL Rapid Test Study: Led by Principal Investigator Dr. Samuel Atiba, this diagnostic tool is poised to revolutionize infection management. By helping clinicians rapidly differentiate bacterial infections from other types of infections, it supports more informed decision-making and promotes responsible antibiotic use.
The Pepsin Rapid Test Study: Led by Principal Investigator Dr. Tejan, this test provides a non-invasive, convenient method to assess reflux-related diseases, significantly improving the timeline and accuracy of patient management.
”Introducing innovative diagnostics is not simply about adopting new products; it is about improving diagnostic accuracy, enhancing patient outcomes, reducing unnecessary treatments, and strengthening our healthcare system,” stated Dr Mark Ibrahim Kapuwa, Care Manager of Connaught Hospital in his keynote address. “The encouraging local clinical evidence gives us greater confidence in incorporating these diagnostic tools into our daily clinical practice.”
Dr. Kapuwa urged key hospital departments, including Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Gastroenterology, Pediatrics, and the Clinical Laboratory, to immediately integrate these tools into their clinical indications.
Participants at the results presentation
A Unique Equipment Partnership to Ease Hospital Adoption
To ensure that financial barriers do not hinder healthcare institutions from accessing these vital technologies, YouBest has announced an innovative procurement model.
The manufacturer will provide the necessary diagnostic equipment to participating hospitals at no initial cost. Once an institution purchases an agreed quantity of test kits, full ownership of the diagnostic equipment will be transferred to the hospital.
Dr. Sisi Lua, representing YouBest Zhejiang Biotechnology Co., Ltd., emphasized that the conclusion of the trials marks the beginning of a long-term commitment:
”At YouBest, we believe that every new diagnostic product should be supported by strong scientific evidence and close collaboration with local healthcare professionals. Working closely with Gemstar Pharmacy, we will ensure that healthcare facilities receive the necessary installation, technical training, operational support, and ongoing scientific exchange.”
Immediate Commercial Availability and National Distribution
Ensuring that these clinical breakthroughs translate immediately into real-world patient care, Alhaji Ahmed Shaw, Chief Executive Officer of Gemstar Pharmacy, confirmed that stocks of these new products are already available on the ground.
”Immediately after the sharing of these results of the trials today, my pharmacy has stock of the pepsin and HNL tests ready for sale to hospitals,” said Alhaji. “Our responsibility extends far beyond product delivery. We are committed to ensuring a stable, uninterrupted supply chain and robust logistics across the country to completely eliminate concerns about stock shortages.”
Gemstar Pharmacy and YouBest extended an open invitation to representatives from other medical centers present at the meeting, welcoming future collaborations to scale these innovative diagnostic solutions to hospitals throughout Sierra Leone.
Media & Procurement Contacts For Procurement, Supply Chain, and Implementation Inquiries:
Contact Gemstar Pharmacy (Exclusive Distributor for YouBest in Sierra Leone) 00232/076601635
For Technical and Clinical Support: Contact the YouBest Medical Support Team in Sierra Leone 00232/030214083
For more information contact
Josephine Sesay, Marketing and Public Relations
YouBest Biotechnology China Country Representative Office
33 Macdonald Street, Freetown, Sierra Leone
Tel: 00232/077921084
Email: Josephinesesay190@gmail.com
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 8th July 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
