The Global Fund and the Institute of Philanthropy have announced up to US$5 million to help high-burden countries introduce newer tuberculosis tests closer to patients.
The Gates Foundation will match the contribution with up to another US$5 million, creating up to US$10 million in total resources for the work.
The near-point-of-care molecular tests can deliver results in under an hour and are designed for use in primary-care facilities, including places far from large laboratories.
Thirteen countries are already preparing to roll out the tests through an early-adopter program, with support for training, planning, and adapting local health systems.
