Scaling diagnostics, manufacturing, and health security in Africa

Africa is facing numerous health challenges, ranging from neglected diseases to pandemic preparedness. In light of these challenges, the World Health Organisation's 100-Day Mission aims to expedite the development of diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments. Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, the CEO of FIND, sheds light on the crucial role of public-private partnerships, investments, and policy changes in scaling diagnostics and fortifying health security across the continent. One of the key purposes of public-private partnerships is to bridge the gap between manufacturers seeking new markets and governments seeking innovation and new products. This collaboration enables manufacturers to design and innovate diagnostic products to meet the market demand while providing governments with fit-for-purpose diagnostics for their healthcare systems. FIND plays a pivotal role in connecting these stakeholders and de-risking investments by providing crucial funding in the late phase of product development, ensuring that viable products do not get abandoned due to financial constraints. Dr. Adetifa highlights the pressing need for Africa to enhance its preparedness for disease outbreaks through robust health systems and increased domestic funding. Strong health systems are essential for ensuring health security and responding effectively to various health challenges. Moreover, there is a significant gap in funding for research, particularly in the development of diagnostics for priority pathogens identified by the WHO. Without adequate investment in research and development, addressing health security threats becomes increasingly challenging. The 100-Day Mission initiated by WHO aims to develop diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics within a timeframe of 100 days following the declaration of a public health emergency of international concern. This ambitious mission requires substantial pre-investment activities to ensure readiness and response capacity. Dr. Adetifa underscores the importance of regional and local manufacturing of health products, particularly diagnostics, to strengthen Africa's health infrastructure and accelerate responses to health emergencies. In order to overcome barriers to scaling affordable diagnostics in Africa, key stakeholders must address several challenges. Firstly, there is a need to attract adequate resources for product development and invest in the space to drive innovation. Governments must develop or revise policies to include diagnostics plans, fund national strategies for diagnostics, and promote the use of diagnostics within healthcare systems. Additionally, data collection and monitoring are crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of tests and informing evidence-based policy decisions. Finally, substantial research and development efforts are essential to advance the diagnostic agenda and address endemic conditions as well as potential health security threats. In conclusion, strengthening healthcare in Africa requires a concerted effort from public and private sectors to drive innovation, investment, and policy changes. By fostering collaboration, increasing funding, and prioritizing research and development, Africa can enhance its preparedness for disease outbreaks, improve access to life-saving diagnostics, and build a resilient health system for the future.