NEW YORK, New York – 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.
Bill Rodriguez, CEO of FIND(L) and PAHO’s Dr Jarbas Barbosa.FIND, a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Laboratory Strengthening and Diagnostic Technology Evaluation, accelerates equitable access to reliable diagnosis around the world.
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 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region.”
“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, with the aim of better preparing 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 that 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 in support of country health priorities.”
The partnership will also strengthen regional capacity for the development and manufacturing of diagnostic technologies, facilitate key dialogues to promote innovation in diagnostics and provide technical support to strengthen regulatory capacity for diagnostics in Latin America and the Caribbean.
