This LabCoP DNO Sub-CoP ECHO extended panel discussion, co-hosted by ASLM and FIND, examine the impact and learnings from applications of Diagnostic Network Optimization (DNO) in improving diagnostic systems across countries.
Ensuring access to disease testing at the right time and the right place for all those who need them, in an effective and cost- efficient way, continues to be a major challenge for governments and partners globally. In addition to scaling up access to routine testing for diseases such as TB, HIV and malaria, diagnostic systems are also being called upon to rapidly respond to emerging infectious diseases. Towards this goal, various forms of geospatial analyses are being increasingly deployed by countries to inform and improve policies, planning and implementation of lab systems interventions, with support from partners such as ASLM, Africa CDC and FIND. In this session, representatives from Ministries of Health will share their rich experience in leveraging DNO and related geospatial analytics for their lab systems strengthening efforts, explore to what extent and how the insights and evidence have informed action, along with key recommendations for future work in this space.
The session aims to,
- Spotlight the different approaches and forms of geospatial analytics based diagnostic network planning and optimisation
- Unpack the requirements, successes and limitations of adopting these methods to strengthen diagnostic systems in resource constrained settings
- Identify recommendations for what countries need to advance their diagnostic systems strengthening efforts using geospatial analysis in a sustainable way
Panelists:
- Nshimba Mwanza & Judith Myceze, Ministry of Health, Zambia
- Dr. Guy-Damien Adagra, Ministry of Health, Cote d’Iviore
- Dr Felix Pinto & Teixeira Chongo, Ministry of Health Mozambique
- Vincent Kampira, Ministry of Health, Zimbabwe
Co-moderators:
- Patrick Royle, Global Fund
- Ayetenew Ashenafi, Africa CDC
- Host: Dr Talkmore Maruta, ASLM