Signing the agreement on Wednesday to expand access to essential medical diagnostic tests in LAC.
NEW YORK CITY, New York--The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and global non-profit FIND signed an agreement on Wednesday to expand access to essential medical diagnostic tests in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).
The 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,” PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa said. “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."
The PAHO and FIND agreement also seeks to promote testing and diagnostics at the first level of health care, which can improve timely diagnosis and contribute to the implementation of national disease elimination strategies.
Bill Rodriguez, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FIND, said: "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. 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. ~ PAHO ~
