(with thanks to Jackeline Alger, HIFA-Spanish lead moderator)
WHO recommends new diagnostic tools to help end TB
24 March 2026 News release Reading time: 3 min (781 words)
https://www.who.int/news/item/24-03-2026-who-recommends-new-diagnostic-t...
'On World TB Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) is urging countries to accelerate action to end tuberculosis (TB) and expand access to lifesaving services by using new innovations such as diagnostic tests that can be used near the point-of-care and tongue swabs that can help detect the disease faster reaching more people.
'The new guidelines on tests for TB that can be used near the point-of-care, issued by WHO, mark another step towards faster detection and treatment of one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. These portable, simple-to-use tests bring TB diagnosis closer to where people routinely seek care. Available at less than half the cost of many existing molecular diagnostics, they can help countries expand access to testing. The tests can operate on battery power and deliver results in less than one hour, allowing patients to start treatment sooner...'
Guidelines: https://www.who.int/teams/global-programme-on-tuberculosis-and-lung-heal...
COMMENT (NPW): Simple, affordable diagnostic tests are important. But equally important is access to relevant, reliable information onhow to manage tuberculosis once it is diagnosed. A 2013 study found that 'More than 9 in 10 prescriptions for tuberculosis in India are incorrect, predisposing those patients and the general population to multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis in the future.' https://www.hifa.org/about-hifa/why-hifa-needed
Health workers need SEISMIC support to empower them to deliver quality care.
Skills, Equipment (including diagnostic equipment), Information, Systems, Medicines, Incentives, Communication facilities.
https://www.hifa.org/about-hifa/hifa-universal-health-coverage-and-human...
HIFA profile: Neil Pakenham-Walsh is coordinator of HIFA (Healthcare Information For All), a global health community that brings all stakeholders together around the shared goal of universal access to reliable healthcare information. HIFA has 20,000 members in 180 countries, interacting in four languages and representing all parts of the global evidence ecosystem. HIFA is administered by Global Healthcare Information Network, a UK-based nonprofit in official relations with the World Health Organization. Email: neil@hifa.org