NEW YORK, CMC – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the global non-profit FIND on Wednesday signed an agreement to expand access to essential medical diagnostic tests in Latin America and the Caribbean.
FIND, a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Laboratory Strengthening and Diagnostic Technology Evaluation, accelerates equitable access to reliable diagnosis worldwide.
It works to close critical testing gaps that leave people at risk from preventable and treatable illnesses, enable effective disease surveillance, and build sustainable, resilient health systems.
In partnership with countries, WHO, and other global health agencies, FIND said it is driving progress towards global health security and universal health coverage.
PAHO said its partnership will focus on improving “equitable and timely access to quality-assured, cost-effective diagnostic technologies and services to improve health outcomes, advance towards health for all, enhance pandemic preparedness, and contribute to the region’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
“This partnership will play a crucial role in improving access to diagnostics for people in the Americas, ensuring equity and affordability,” said PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa. “It builds upon the existing collaboration and the significant joint efforts made during the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to better prepare the region for future emergencies.”
PAHO said the agreement with FIND also seeks to promote testing and diagnostics at the first level of health care, “which can improve the timely diagnosis and contribute to the implementation of national disease elimination strategies.”
“Sustainable, resilient health systems depend on quality diagnostic tests so people can receive the care they need, and health policy can be driven by accurate, reliable data,” said Bill Rodriguez, CEO of FIND. “The collaboration between FIND and PAHO will help improve access to essential tests across Latin America and the Caribbean to support country health priorities.”
The partnership will also strengthen regional capacity for the development and manufacturing of diagnostic technologies, facilitate critical dialogues to promote innovation in diagnostics, and provide technical support to enhance the regulatory ability for diagnostics in Latin America and the Caribbean.
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