Search

Alfred Muia in the process of testing patient samples for VL using LAMP at KEMRI as part of a clinical trial.

100 Days Mission for diagnostics

Safe, effective, and affordable diagnostic tests must be available within 100 days of the identification of a pandemic threat

In June 2021, G7 Leaders welcomed the “100 Days Mission’’ in Carbis Bay, building on the collaborative scientific efforts which led to the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines for COVID-19.

The first 100 Days Mission report was authored by scientific, governmental and industry experts drawn from within and beyond the G7. It proposed 25 recommendations to harness scientific innovation and strengthen public and private collaboration that will reduce the time from discovery to deployment of these medical countermeasures within 100 days of the identification of the next pandemic threat.

FIND is working with the International Pandemic Preparedness Secretariat and other partners to make the 100 Days Mission for diagnostics a reality.

Making the exceptional routine: embedding diagnostic best practice to improve pandemic preparedness

(PDF, 7.23 MB, 18 pages)

Report co-authored by FIND and the 100 Days Mission Science and Technology Expert Group (STEG).

Making the exceptional routine: embedding diagnostic best practice to improve pandemic preparedness is co-authored by FIND and the 100 Days Mission Science and Technology Expert Group (STEG), including Dr Yenew Kebede of Africa CDC, Dr Mariângela Simão of Instituto Todos pela Saúde, and Dr Rick Bright, who is a FIND Board member. The report reshapes the narrative of pandemic preparedness, highlighting diagnostics as an integral tool for a swift and effective pandemic response.

Despite being historically neglected compared with other interventions, the COVID-19 pandemic showcased the indispensable nature of diagnostics as a first line of defence, with over 3 billion SARS-CoV-2 tests conducted worldwide. Learning from the pandemic, the report highlights the need for faster and wider availability of diagnostics, especially in low-income countries, urging coordinated actions to minimize future threats. Building on the original 100 Days Mission recommendations, the publication outlines three critical enablers:

  • Multiplex testing
  • Digitally connected diagnostics
  • Linking diagnostics to care and treatment.

These three critical enablers can make exceptional diagnostic practices routine, providing a robust foundation for global health systems in the face of pandemics, as well as other threats. FIND, the IPPS and 100 Days Mission STEG are committed to tracking progress, addressing key challenges, and ensuring the implementation of these recommendations.

The report we are launching today from the 100 Days Mission STEG and FIND sets out the paradigm shift we need in diagnostics, to embed access to multiplex and digitally connected diagnostics in everyday healthcare, as well as expand test-and-treat strategies. Access to testing is a fundamental part of strengthening health systems and enabling us to be better prepared to meet all health threats, including epidemics and pandemics.

Dr Yenew Kebede Tebeje

Head of the Division of Laboratory Systems & Networks at Africa CDC

28 November 2023

Press release including the launch of the latest 100 Days Mission for diagnostics report

Accelerating diagnostic tests to prevent a future pandemic

"COVID-19 taught the world some harsh lessons about being unprepared. We now have an opportunity to learn from past mistakes and prevent another global health catastrophe. The key is stronger, more resilient health systems. Ensuring we are ready to respond effectively to a new threat within 100 days is ambitious, but achievable – and essential if we are to prevent a future pandemic." – Bill Rodriguez, FIND CEO

Visit the International Pandemic Preparedness Secretariat (IPPS) website

Read more about the 100 Days Mission for diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines.