Breaking the cycle of neglect: building on momentum from COVID-19 to drive access to diagnostic testing

Abstract

Diagnostic testing is at the heart of quality healthcare. However, due to neglect of diagnostics, nearly half the world's population lacks access to essential tests.1 The Covid-19 pandemic has shone a harsh spotlight on inequities in access to testing. Only about 35% of tests administered worldwide have been used in low- and lower-middle- income countries (LMICs), where 75% of the global population lives.2 At the same time, the pandemic set off a boom in diagnostics.3 We have identified ten opportunities (Table) created by the pandemic that could be leveraged to drive better access to testing in general.

Topics & Concepts