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Access

We are working to turn diagnostic technology and innovation into health impact for everyone, everywhere.

Access to diagnostics doesn’t just mean investing in the development of fit-for-purpose tools and technology.

Even when such tools exist, high costs, market monopolies, weak supply chains, and issues of social and cultural acceptability all limit access to testing, especially in low- and middle-income countries. These challenges are compounded by a reliance on traditional, centralized (urban) testing models, limited diagnostic infrastructure, not to mention policy systems and processes that struggle to keep pace with a rapidly evolving diagnostic landscape.

Scaling up and sustaining the use of diagnostics requires decentralized testing, healthcare worker training, laboratory systems strengthening and integration of testing for different diseases where relevant (such as COVID-19 testing being integrated into country TB programmes). Tackling these challenges requires a range of integrated solutions that span the whole diagnostic journey.

Led by country priorities, we work with partners to tailor testing strategies and delivery models that can help meet national and regional health delivery goals, including supporting the development and implementation of national essential diagnostics lists. We provide transparent market information and work with manufacturers to make diagnostic prices more affordable. In partnership with industry, global health procurement agencies and private sector buyers, we also provide tools to fill gaps where no global procurement mechanism currently exists.

Led by country needs we help deliver diagnostic testing solutions that are available, appropriate, affordable, and adaptable for use in hospitals, laboratories and communities, so that everyone who needs a test can get one.

Emma Hannay

Chief Access Officer

DxConnect Marketplace

Conceived to fill gaps where no global procurement mechanism currently exists, the DxConnect Marketplace is a secure digital platform and support service designed to connect buyers and sellers and facilitate the procurement of affordable, quality-assured diagnostics.

OptiDx

OptiDx is a web-based, open-access tool to conduct diagnostic network optimization and route optimization analysis, for any disease. It enables countries to design diagnostic networks that align with national health goals and supports efforts towards universal health coverage.

Access in action: the ACT-Accelerator diagnostics pillar

The Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator diagnostics pillar, co-led by FIND and Global Fund with strong support from WHO, aimed to bring affordable, rapid, fit-for-purpose solutions closer to where people live and work. This case study explores the processes and partnerships that drove progress from innovation to implementation – crossing boundaries, challenging norms, and breaking down barriers to essential diagnostic testing.