CATCH: The HIV Detector
HIV is the leading cause of death in over 90% of developing countries (defined by the HDI). 2.5 million individuals are infected with HIV every year. Due to many external factors which are often out of individual control, people often live with HIV unnoticed until it develops into AIDS – the final stage. This low-cost device allows easy blood extraction with individuals who wish to check if they have HIV.
CATCH was designed by Hans Ramzan who later joined LUMA-ID in early 2019. By creating CATCH, it allows individuals to be self sufficient with an easy indication device. Due to limited infrastructure in many developing countries, sometimes people can live miles away from the nearest aid station or hospital. CATCH can ensure that it is not a wasted trip and allows an easy blood extraction process.