Mapping the landscape of diagnostics for sexually transmitted infections
Key findings and recommendations
Summary
A meeting, jointly convened by the Sexually Transmitted Diseases Diagnostics Initiative (SDI) in WHO/TDR* and the Wellcome Trust and hosted by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was held in Seattle on July 18, 2002 to explore the possibility of building a global alliance to take on the task of coordinating the development and translation of improved diagnostics for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) into health care delivery in the developing world.
A consensus was reached early in the meeting that proceeding with an alliance focused on STIs rather than the broader field of diagnostics for infectious diseases was legitimate. It was also agreed that it would be important to map the landscape of existing private and public sector interest in this area, and develop clear and compelling descriptions of the needs and opportunities for the development of diagnostic tools before substantive discussions could take place with regard to the goals and the governance of a global alliance.
Three consultants with different areas of expertise were engaged to assist WHO/TDR in carrying out this work by mapping public and private sector interests in the area of STI diagnostics and making recommendations for the development of a STI diagnostics partnership.