Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose a persistent global health challenge, necessitating continuous innovation in diagnostic approaches. The World Health Organization (WHO) actively supports the development and implementation of advanced technologies for the Diagnosis Of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. These efforts are crucial for improving access to testing, scaling up diagnostic services, and ultimately controlling the spread of STIs worldwide. WHO’s key activities focus on driving innovation and ensuring the widespread availability of effective diagnostic tools.
To guide the development of new diagnostic solutions, WHO utilizes Target Product Profiles (TPPs). A TPP meticulously outlines the desired characteristics of an ideal diagnostic product for a specific disease. In the context of sexually transmitted diseases diagnosis, TPPs specify the intended use, target populations, and essential attributes related to safety and efficacy. These profiles serve as a roadmap for researchers, developers, and funders, clearly indicating the needs and priorities within the field of STI diagnostics. By providing clear market indications, TPPs streamline research and development efforts towards creating impactful diagnostic tools.
Furthermore, WHO and its partners generate Technology Landscapes, which offer comprehensive overviews of the existing and emerging diagnostic products for various diseases, including sexually transmitted diseases. These landscapes provide detailed information on available technologies, those in the pipeline, and crucial market considerations. The insights provided by Technology Landscapes are invaluable for stakeholders seeking to understand the current state of STI diagnosis technologies and future directions. The most recent comprehensive Technology Landscape was published by UNITAID in early 2018, highlighting the dynamic nature of this field.
Innovation is rapidly transforming the landscape of STI testing and diagnosis. These advancements are pivotal in expanding STI testing coverage, improving drug resistance monitoring, and optimizing healthcare service delivery. For instance, the introduction of low-cost rapid screening tests for syphilis has significantly increased detection rates, particularly in antenatal care settings. Near point-of-care molecular assays for sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis are now commercially available, though WHO prequalification is still pending for these specific tests. Despite these advancements, the high cost of molecular tests remains a significant barrier to their widespread adoption, especially in resource-limited settings where the need for effective diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases is often greatest.
The development and deployment of rapid, user-friendly, affordable, and quality-assured Point-Of-Care (POC) tests are urgently needed to transform the diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases. These POC tests would enable screening, diagnosis, and, where feasible, immediate treatment during a single patient visit. Such technologies are critical for supporting national and international initiatives aimed at accelerating progress towards the elimination targets for priority STIs by 2030. Accessible and effective diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases through POC testing is crucial for achieving global STI control and prevention goals.
