Decentralized COVID-19 Testing.pdf

Traditional diagnostic testing models are often centralized, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, limiting access due to distance, cost, and other barriers. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for decentralized testing approaches. The Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-Accelerator) was established to ensure equitable access to testing, with FIND and the Global Fund as co-conveners of the diagnostics pillar.

Key barriers to centralized testing include cost, availability, distance, processing times, travel time, and fear/stigma. To address these, the ACT-Accelerator sparked innovation in diagnostic testing, refining the product development pathway and evaluating over 100 different products.

Three stages of progress were made:
1. Accelerating innovation in research and development, with the first antigen detection rapid diagnostic test entering the market just eight months after the pandemic was announced.
2. Ensuring efficient and sustainable test supplies, including a 120 million Ag RDT volume guarantee and introducing new suppliers to the market, driving prices down.
3. Supporting robust national policy development, with context-appropriate diagnostic strategies and an enabling policy environment, including partnerships with local stakeholders to create fit-for-purpose solutions.

Outcomes include a more vibrant and competitive diagnostic marketplace, reduced dependence on international suppliers, and increased availability of high-quality, low-cost diagnostics.