Reaching the 100 by 2027 target for universal access to rapid molecular diagnostic tests for tuberculosis in Africa: In-sight but out of reach.

ABSTRACT: Although WHO recommended rapid molecular diagnostic tools for TB over a decade ago, only about one-third of diagnostic sites in high burden countries have access to them. We conducted a mixed-methods study to understand the barriers and facilitators to reaching universal access to WHO-recommended rapid molecular diagnostics (WRDs) in a selection of African countries. Data for 24 African countries were sourced from the WHO Global TB database to evaluate the proportion of notified people with TB tested with a WRD between 2018 and 2023, and to assess access to WRDs as defined in the WHO Diagnostic Standard. Additionally, TB program staff from six countries were surveyed to identify key factors influencing the implementation of WRD-based diagnostic algorithms. Across the 24 countries, 58% of p

SUBMITTER: Mupfumi L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12843559 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature