FIND statement at the multi-stakeholder hearing on Universal Health Coverage

Multi-stakeholder hearings in preparation of the General Assembly High-level Meetings on the fight against Tuberculosis, Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response and Universal Health Coverage

8-9 May 2023, Trusteeship Council Chamber, United Nations Headquarters, New York

Delivered by Claire Wingfield, FIND Director, Advocacy & Partnerships, New York

I am representing FIND which works with a diverse sent of partners to spur innovation and invest in the development and deployment of accurate, appropriate, affordable, accessible diagnostic technologies and tools for countries.

Diagnostics are fundamental to building sustainable, resilient and equitable health systems. The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the crucial role of diagnostics in delivering healthcare. Yet, diagnostics continue to suffer from low visibility and prioritization in the discourse on Universal Health Coverage.

FIND’s experience over the last two decades has shown us that unless the gap in diagnostic provision is addressed and investment in diagnostics is expanded, the promise of UHC will not be achieved.

It is critical for countries to deliver upon the commitments made in the 2019 declaration of the High-Level Meeting on UHC including:

• cover all people with quality, safe, effective, affordable and essential diagnostics by 2030;
• eliminate financial barriers to access to diagnostics;
• promote equitable distribution of and increased access to diagnostics; and
• improve availability, affordability and efficiency of diagnostics through better regulations and building stronger partnerships with relevant stakeholders including the private sector and civil society.

Further, to address unmet needs, we need to develop and deliver novel diagnostics and increase primary-care level access to essential tests. Countries should promote investment in research and development for new diagnostics, develop national essential diagnostics lists, and strengthen regional manufacturing capacities to enable the delivery of testing services to everyone, everywhere.

UHC won’t be successful unless it is 1) built on strong, routine, and resilient primary healthcare systems including access to safe, effective, and affordable testing, surveillance, and other diagnostic tools, 2) coordinated across sectors; 3) places countries at the center; and 4) include civil society and community engagement at all levels.