24 YEARS UGANDAN WINS AFRICA PRIZE FOR ENGINEERING INNOVATION.

24 years old Brian Gitta wins award for innovative engineering, also the first Ugandan to win such award. 

 

Brian Gitta,  became the first Ugandan to win the prestigious Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation. The award  is for his invention of  a device which tests malaria without drawing blood. According to BBC, Gitta invented the device after three blood tests failed to diagnose his own malaria.

The device is called Matibabu, which means “treatment” in Swahili. It examines the red blood cells of a person when clipped onto the finger without any blood being drawn or any specialist knowledge needed.

Malaria is detected by the device using a red beam of light that shines through the finger. The red beam detects changes in the shape, colour and red blood cell concentration.

 The device uses a reusable low-cost clip together with a mobile phone app. Results are given within 60 seconds

The Royal Academy of Engineering awards the prize to financially aid young African innovators in their work to find solutions to challenging problems.

Gitta is not only the first Ugandan but also the youngest to date to have been awarded the $33 000 Africa Prize of Engineering Innovation.

Also read : WHY FORBES AFRICA 30 UNDER 30 IS INSPIRING YOUNG AFRICANS

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