FIND Hosts Meeting with African Union Ambassadors to Strengthen Diagnostic Systems

Geneva: FIND (www.FINDdx.org) recently convened a meeting with Ambassadors from 26 African countries and the African Union at its offices in the Global Health Campus in Geneva. The purpose of the meeting was to provide an overview of FIND's work in these countries and discuss future prospects. The Ambassadors were informed about FIND's role as a valuable partner in enhancing diagnostics in their respective countries. According to African Press Organization, the foundation of any successful health response is diagnosis. Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, CEO of FIND, emphasized the importance of collaboration with the African Union to ensure inclusive access to diagnostic tools. FIND's vision prioritizes both catalyzing innovation and ensuring access to diagnostics in low- and middle-income countries. The meeting also served as a prelude to this year's Diagnostics Day event, scheduled for 21 May, on the sidelines of the World Health Assembly. FIND's leadership presented its updated strategic vision aimed at improving diag nostic systems and preparing for potential health and pandemic risks. Key conclusions from the meeting included a commitment to strengthen regional manufacturing of diagnostics and health technologies, as well as an agreement on increased AU-FIND cooperation to address country and Africa CDCs diagnostic priorities. There was also support for FIND's role as a technical partner to expand access to vital diagnostics for diseases like HIV, TB, malaria, mpox, and emerging outbreaks. Diagnostics were recognized as a vital component of health security and universal health coverage. Dr. Ayoade Alakija, FIND's Board Chair, highlighted the significant role African leaders are playing in addressing health challenges on the continent. FIND remains committed to supporting these efforts by strengthening pandemic preparedness and ensuring the availability of quality diagnostics. FIND's Diagnostics Day event on 21 May in Geneva will gather global health leaders to discuss steps to ensure quality and accessible diagnostics for all.