The report aims to reshape the narrative of pandemic preparedness, highlighting diagnostics as an integral tool for a swift and effective pandemic response. Taking learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates the need for faster and wider availability of diagnostics, especially in low-income countries. Policymakers and regulators are urged to embrace and prioritise multiplex diagnostic approaches, which offers enhanced surveillance capabilities compared with traditional methods and invest in digital infrastructure that integrates diagnostics with patient care and surveillance systems. Linking diagnostics to care and treatment will facilitate effective responses to endemic and pandemic diseases.ย
Key Recommendations:ย
- Multiplex diagnostics for priority pathogens should be embraced and delivered to enhance surveillance of priority pathogens.ย
- Data connectivity must be prioritised in the delivery of diagnostics for patient care and enhanced surveillance.ย
- Diagnostics should be linked to care and treatment wherever possible.ย