FIND's Intervention at the G20 Health Ministers' Meeting

7 November 2025
Delivered by Dr Ayoade Alakija

Honourable Ministers and Delegates,

FIND commends the South African G20 Presidency for its leadership on equality, and universal health coverage. We share the conviction that health is both a human right and an economic necessity.

Diagnostics are the foundation of strong health systems. Yet nearly half the world’s population still lacks access to basic tests. Closing this gap requires collective commitment and innovation.

Primary health care cannot function without reliable diagnostics. We urge the G20 to invest in point-of-care and self-testing innovations and to equip health workers with the training and digital tools to use them effectively.

We must also confront antimicrobial resistance with the same urgency, embedding diagnostic-based surveillance within a One Health approach. I invite G20 countries to build on the momentum from last year’s high-level convening in Jeddah and join us in Abuja, Nigeria, on 28–30 June for the 5th High-Level Meeting on AMR, to sustain collective political action against this global threat. FIND will lead the non-state actor day as diagnostics is core to addressing the threat of AMR.

Finally, science and innovation are central to both health and economic growth. Diagnostics drive self-reliance and job creation and strategic investment in diagnostics delivers high returns: saving lives while strengthening economies.

In the spirit of solidarity, equity, and sustainability, FIND reaffirms our commitment to support the G20 in achieving its health goals, ensuring that life-saving diagnostics reach everyone, everywhere.

Thank you