Brian Gitta feels his head grow hot. He has a disease called malaria. A laboratory worker must draw and test his blood. The first three tests don’t detect his sickness. So Mr. Gitta comes up with a bright idea: a new malaria test—without the needles.

Mr. Gitta comes from Uganda, a country in Africa. Malaria kills more people in Africa than any other disease. Mr. Gitta’s new malaria test doesn’t require pokes, professionals, or a long waiting period. Here’s how it works. The test uses a small device that clips on to a person’s finger. It shines a red beam of light onto the skin. The red light shows changes in the shape, color, and concentration of red blood cells. All those factors can indicate whether a person has malaria. Test results are sent to a computer or phone. Does the device’s wearer have malaria? He or she will find out in just 60 seconds! Mr. Gitta’s invention won a respected engineering prize. The test is called Matibabu. That means “treatment” in the Swahili language.