In an exciting development, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and FIND have joined forces to expand access to crucial medical diagnostic tests in Latin America and the Caribbean. This partnership aims to not only enhance health outcomes but also work towards achieving health for all and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region.
Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, the director of PAHO, emphasized the importance of this partnership in improving access to diagnostics for individuals in the Americas. With a focus on equity and affordability, this alliance builds upon the collaboration and joint efforts made during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the ultimate goal of better preparing the region for future emergencies.
In addition to increasing access to diagnostics, the agreement between PAHO and FIND also aims to promote testing and diagnostics at the first level of healthcare. By doing so, timely diagnoses can be made, ultimately supporting the implementation of national disease elimination strategies.
The CEO of FIND, Bill Rodriguez, highlighted the significance of quality diagnostic tests in establishing sustainable and resilient health systems. The partnership between FIND and PAHO will contribute to improving access to essential tests across Latin America and the Caribbean, aligning with the healthcare priorities of each country.
Moreover, this collaboration will strengthen the regional capacity for developing and manufacturing diagnostic technologies. It will also facilitate crucial dialogues to promote innovation in diagnostics and provide technical support to enhance regulatory capacity for diagnostics in Latin America and the Caribbean.
About PAHO:
PAHO, the world’s oldest international public health agency, works with countries in the Americas to enhance the health and quality of life of their populations. As the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for the Americas, PAHO plays a vital role in the Inter-American System. To learn more, visit www.paho.org.
About FIND:
FIND is dedicated to accelerating equitable access to reliable diagnosis on a global scale. Their mission includes closing testing gaps that leave people vulnerable to preventable and treatable illnesses, enabling effective disease surveillance, and building strong and sustainable health systems. As a WHO Collaborating Centre for Laboratory Strengthening and Diagnostic Technology Evaluation, FIND is actively working towards global health security and universal health coverage. For more information, visit www.finddx.org.
