Bridging the gaps in Universal access to TB diagnostics and Drug susceptibility testing strengthens laboratory networks in Africa

Bridging the gaps in Universal access to TB diagnostics and Drug susceptibility testing strengthens laboratory networks in Africa

Our recent publication in African Journal of Laboratory Medicine (Afr J Lab Med. 2017;6(2)) highlights the imperative for stronger tuberculosis laboratory networks and services in Africa to move towards ending tuberculosis. It is a mistake to reduce the focus on laboratory networks, as the TB diagnostics leave the typical bio-safe laboratories to point-of-care sites. We would do away with laboratory systems, and laboratory personnel only at the pearl of going back to dark ages of empirical diagnosis and wastage of resources. Especially, the gaps in Universal access to TB diagnostics and Drug susceptibility testings highlighted at the figure 2 of the publication need refocused attention and serve as new rallying point to improve the TB diagnosis and care. Clinical diagnosis of TB and empirical treatment, without confirmed bacteriological evidence, stands at 62% in Africa in 2015 (also highlighted in earlier blogs at this website). Sputum transport systems and accountability of laboratory network- plays a key role in bridging these gaps, while the new and accurate diagnostic technologies are becoming more and more accessible to the rural populations in Africa. It is never ending financial and technical support that is needed to be recognized. Laboratories serve as horses to pull the TB treatment services on a bidirectional Road (one way for TB medicines, and other way for the TB specimen transport to sites of diagnosis) - and need unflinching support for funding. The horses are becoming more and more stronger, and of superior breeds- but the time has NOT arrived to remove the horses, and replace with automatic engines, however interested we are in moving with artificial intelligence smart machines. We appreciate that it will take more time will for machines to rule the world, but never it is afar and a few generations apart. Several weaknesses and at the same time opportunities in TB laboratory networks are provided at table 1 of the opinion piece. 

Link to the article is given below:
Stronger tuberculosis laboratory networks and services in Africa essential to ending tuberculosis