In vitro diagnostics and laboratory technology

Role of WHO Prequalification Team - Diagnostics

  1. Promote and facilitate access to safe, reliable and appropriate in vitro diagnostic technologies and laboratory services in an equitable manner through:

    Prequalification of in vitro diagnostics for high burden diseases;
    Capacity building of national regulatory authorities and national reference laboratories;
    Facilitation of procurement of affordable and appropriate in vitro diagnostics;
    Policy, guidance and advocacy to Member States;
    Provision of quality assurance programmes to countries;
    Training and technical support including country projects.

  2. Support two of WHO’s six core functions:

    setting norms and standards and promoting and monitoring their implementation
    providing technical support, catalysing change & building sustainable institutional capacity

  3. Contribute to achieving three of WHO’s impact goals:

    reduce under-five mortality
    reduce maternal mortality
    reduce the number of people dying from AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria