Cheap, smart and efficient: how giant rats are transforming the fight against TB

After success in Tanzania, other African countries may introduce the rodents to help sniff out the disease

Mwajuma Abdalla Ngema went to the clinic in Dar es Salaam with a persistent cough and intense pain around her ribs. The mother of two was tested for tuberculosis (TB) but the result came back negative. “I was given some medication to manage the cough but the pain was unbearable,” says Ngema, who went home feeling frustrated at the lack of clarity over her health.

A few days later, Ngema was called back to Mbagala Kizuiani clinic – she had subsequently tested positive. She was relieved to finally have a diagnosis: “I am currently on medication and on the road to recovery.”