WS 24 - Growing from Response to Preparedness

The recent back-to-back occurrence of two viral epidemics (Ebola and Zika) that blossomed into public health emergencies of international concern has highlighted the shortfalls of the global and local diagnostic response. Diagnostics are crucial in mitigating the effect of disease outbreaks. As we come together to develop the global health infrastructure necessary to better face future infectious disease threats, the role of diagnostics must be considered foremost, and mechanisms established to carry out the logistical, financial, political, and technical work required to ensure diagnostic preparedness for the inevitable next epidemic. CEPI∙dx is a new global partnership focused on diagnostics for health threats prioritized by WHO. CEPIdx has been initiated by CEPI and FIND to drive the development and delivery of appropriate diagnostics and allow the rapid response to future epidemics by strengthening diagnostic preparedness for a safer world.

This panel will allow participants to share their experience and their points of view on how the world can prepare to allow rapid response to future epidemics.