Support to COVID-19 Diagnostics

This project builds on Canada’s funding to the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) during COVID-19. The initial project aims at accelerate the roll-out of safe affordable and effective COVID-19 diagnostics in Low- and Lower-Middle Income Countries. This project supports FIND in using testing technologies developed during COVID-19 to expand the range of diseases detected with a single test. This includes other respiratory diseases sexually transmitted infections and Human papillomavirus (HPV)-based screening for cervical cancer. The project aims to increase testing for the most marginalized including women children and vulnerable groups. Project activities include: (1) supporting the development of more straightforward sample collection methods including self-sampling; and (2) conducting in-country customer preference surveys and barrier-to-access surveys to guide the final development and introduction of tests.

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) enhanced equitable access to near-patient accurate and affordable tests for critical women’s health needs; and (2) enhanced evidence to develop and introduce tests.