Resources

This fact sheet provides an overview of the findings in Measuring Global Health R&D for the Post-2015 Development Agenda, a report calling for the UN and its member states to acknowledge the importance of global health R&D by including indicators to measure progress toward it in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) monitoring framework.

This brochure provides of an overview of PATH’s work in the Mekong region, with a focus on Vietnam and Myanmar. It describes PATH’s strategies in vaccines and immunization, infectious diseases, maternal and child health and nutrition, sexual and reproductive health, and noncommunicable diseases.

Lymphatic filariasis (LF), primarily caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, and onchocerciasis, caused by Onchocerca volvulus (Ov), are targeted for elimination in Africa. Integration of both elimination programs offers advantages arising from overlapping geographic endemicity; ability to share treatment programs using ivermectin; shared surveillance activities for post-elimination phases; and savings in time, money, and human labor. Integration requires improved diagnostic tools for surveillance and mapping.PATH, Standard Diagnostics, Inc. (SD), and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) at the National Institutes of Health are collaborating to develop a biplex rapid diagnostic test (RDT) that detects IgG4 antibodies against both the Ov16 antigen, specific for O. volvulus, and the Wb123 antigen, specific for W. bancrofti. To date, the project team has developed and transferred a proof-ofconcept onchocerciasis/LF biplex test prototype to a manufacturer; completed and readied a prototype for field testing; and developed a human monoclonal IgG4 antibody positive control for Wb123 to support test quality assurance (QA).

The availability of an Ov16 serology-based rapid test has highlighted important issues around uptake and appropriate use. The commercial availability of a rapid test does not guarantee high-quality results will be obtained when used by a program. There are many steps involved in selecting a test, how and when testing will occur, performing the test, reporting results, and how the results are used to inform control and elimination programs. At each step of the process, there is the potential that something can go wrong. Confidence in the testing process, including test quality, performance and accurate results, is important to consider when national onchocerciasis control and elimination programs (NOCPs) use test results for action. A quality assurance (QA) program will help assure NOCPs that the tests are functioning as intended, results are of high quality, and additionally provide an opportunity for feedback to the test manufacturer.

Purpose: To educate caregivers and health care providers about the prevalence and ways to reduce the change of premature birth, and how to support a premature baby.Used by health care providers and caregivers.Approved by the Ministry of Health, Mozambique.