ENSURING SUSTAINABLE ACCESS TO QUALITY ASSURED MALARIA RAPID DIAGNOSTIC TEST KITS IN ASIA PACIFIC

Abstract

This paper focuses on highlighting the current problems in the global market for malaria rapid diagnostic tests. Limited manufacturers with a capacity to deliver ad-hoc requests for bulk orders of test kits, quality checks reliant on one single central testing agency, and limited private sector penetration of utilization of test kits for diagnosis are hindrances in the universal access of quality assured test kits. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are the cornerstones for managing every patient who is suspected to have contracted malaria and to limit the possibility of outbreaks. Malaria can transcend international borders and is reliant on the governance of market for manufacturing rapid diagnostics tests and quality tests to ensure availability of test kits. Policy advocacy organizations must leverage their position at global and regional forums to build capacities of governments and establish key systems like collection of forecasting demand for test kits, regional quality testing of test kits and increasing manufacturers which can respond to periodic requests of malaria rapid diagnostic tests. These insights help us understand the key role of global pharmaceutical market structure, international cooperation between countries for regulations and knowledge sharing and role of policy advocacy organizations in supporting countries to determine health outcomes for people around the world.