New York City, New York, September 20, 2023 (PAHO)- The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and FIND today signed an agreement to expand access to essential medical diagnostic tests in Latin America and the Caribbean.
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 the global non-profit FIND agreement 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.
Bill Rodriguez, 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.
About PAHO
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) works with the countries of the Americas to improve the health and quality of life of its populations. Founded in 1902, it is the world’s oldest international public health agency. PAHO serves as the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for the Americas and is the specialized health agency of the Inter-American System. For more information, please visit www.paho.org
About FIND
FIND accelerates equitable access to reliable diagnosis around the world. We are working 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, we are driving progress towards global health security and universal health coverage. We are a WHO Collaborating Centre for Laboratory Strengthening and Diagnostic Technology Evaluation. For more information, please visit www.finddx.org
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