The GeneXpert diagnostic testing technology from the US corporation Cepheid, and its parent company Danaher, has revolutionised rapid, accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) and other diseases, since entering the market in 2010. Yet, due to the high cost of the GeneXpert test cartridges, many countries are not able to scale up testing for all people who need lifesaving diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
Together with 85 civil society organizations, MSF Access Campaign has sent an open letter to the World Health Organization (WHO), its Member States and Unitaid.
The letter calls for solid guarantees that life-saving health technologies and medical tools will be delivered into the hands of health ministries, treatment providers and patients around the world.