To foster innovation and broaden the reach of information, the World Health Organization (WHO) undertakes crucial activities to support the adoption, scaling up, and accessibility of STI testing and diagnostic technologies. These efforts encompass target product profiles, technology landscapes, and insights into novel and innovative technologies, including point-of-care (POC) and near point-of-care tests, all aimed at improving the Diagnosis Of Sti.
A target product profile (TPP) serves as a blueprint, outlining the desired characteristics of a diagnostic product tailored for a specific disease or condition. In the context of STI diagnosis, TPPs specify the intended use, target populations, and essential attributes of diagnostic tools, emphasizing safety and efficacy. These profiles are invaluable for guiding research and development efforts by funders and developers, aligning product creation with the pressing needs identified by countries in the realm of STI diagnosis.
Technology landscapes offer comprehensive details on the spectrum of diagnostic products available or in development, coupled with market considerations relevant to various diseases, including STIs. These landscapes, often curated by WHO and its partners, provide a vital overview of the diagnostic ecosystem. The most recent technology landscape was published by UNITAID in early 2018, highlighting the dynamic nature of the field of diagnosis of STI.
Innovation is a driving force in the evolution of testing and diagnostics. New and innovative technologies hold the potential to significantly expand STI testing coverage, enhance drug resistance monitoring, and optimize healthcare service delivery. The introduction of affordable rapid screening tests for syphilis has already demonstrated a positive impact, leading to increased syphilis detection rates in antenatal care settings. Furthermore, near point-of-care molecular assays for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis are commercially accessible, although none have yet received WHO prequalification. The cost of molecular tests remains a significant hurdle to their widespread adoption, particularly in resource-limited settings, hindering effective diagnosis of STI.
There is an urgent need for rapid, user-friendly, affordable, and quality-assured POC tests to revolutionize diagnosis of STI. These technologies would enable screening, diagnosis, and, where feasible, immediate treatment during a patient’s initial healthcare encounter. Such advancements are crucial for supporting national and global initiatives aimed at accelerating progress towards the elimination targets for priority STIs by 2030, making accessible and efficient diagnosis of STI a cornerstone of public health efforts.
