Rapid diagnostic test: a critical need for outbreak preparedness and response for high priority pathogens
BMJ Global Health·
- DOI
- 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-014386
- PMID
- 38688565
- PMCID
- PMC11085978
- OpenAlex
- W4396243863
- Study type
- Journal article
- Publisher
- BMJ
- Article type
- journal-article
- Integrity
- current
Why this research matters now
Rapid diagnostic tests are essential for early case identification, surveillance, case management, and deployment of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies during outbreaks. The paper argues that pandemic preparedness will be incomplete without parallel investment in diagnostics alongside vaccines and therapeutics.
Structured evidence summary
Research question
The paper examines the critical role of rapid diagnostic tests in outbreak preparedness and response for high priority pathogens, particularly in the context of the 100 Days Mission.
Study design
This is a perspective or commentary article discussing policy and investment challenges related to rapid diagnostic test development and deployment.
Population and setting
The discussion addresses global outbreak preparedness with particular attention to resource constraints in low-income countries and the roles of Member States, public and private funding sources, and the diagnostic industry.
Main findings
Currently available rapid diagnostic tests have limited clinical sensitivity and specificity and inadequate validation. Vaccine development receives the largest funding among medical countermeasures, while diagnostic and therapeutic development remain underfunded. Implementation of diagnostic capacity strengthening is likely impeded by limited financial resources and competing priorities, especially in low-income settings.
Public-health relevance
Rapid diagnostic tests are essential for early case identification, surveillance, case management, and deployment of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies during outbreaks. The paper argues that pandemic preparedness will be incomplete without parallel investment in diagnostics alongside vaccines and therapeutics.
Important limitations
This summary is limited to the supplied single-article abstract and metadata. The original paper is required for decision-grade interpretation of the policy arguments, investment gaps, and recommendations presented.
GIDS interpretation
The classifier linked this article to gastroenteritis and outbreak investigation, diagnostics, surveillance, vaccination, and One Health topics, making it discoverable in searches for diagnostic preparedness across outbreak contexts.
Related GIDS surveillance
Literature context does not validate, explain, or change a surveillance signal. Exact and contextual relationships are shown separately.
Evidence relationships
This article has 11 auditable classifier relationships to diseases, places, topics, and study design.