article · PeerJ
This review evaluates existing and emerging point-of-care testing diagnostic tools for poverty-related infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. The work identifies critical development and implementation challenges, notably tool affordability, accessibility, and reliability. Given the adverse consequences of misdiagnosis for global and public health, an integrated multidisciplinary approach is recommended to overcome these obstacles. The analysis highlights recent technological platforms and sets out pathways for future advancement. Key proposals include engineering multi-analyte detection devices, delivering focused training and educational programmes, driving community engagement, securing resilient supply chains, and strengthening public-private collaborations to ensure diagnostics can be effectively deployed in the region.
Inaccurate or delayed diagnosis of poverty-related diseases severely harms public health in sub-Saharan Africa. By addressing the barriers that limit access to cheap and dependable diagnostic tests, health systems can detect infections earlier. Deploying reliable, easy-to-use testing tools at the point of care improves patient outcomes and prevents broader disease transmission across vulnerable communities.
The work focuses on applications in rapid, low-cost diagnostic testing for healthcare providers tackling poverty-related infectious diseases in resource-limited settings. Specific commercial opportunities lie in developing multi-analyte testing platforms supported by resilient local supply chains and public-private partnerships. As this is a review proposing developmental frameworks and strategic roadmaps rather than validating a specific product, the findings reflect early-stage strategic planning and technology definition.
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In this review, we examine the current landscape of point-of-care testing (POCT) diagnostic tools designed for poverty-related infectious diseases (PRIDs) in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA) while delineating key avenues for future advancements. Our analysis encompasses both established and emerging diagnostic methods for PRIDs, addressing the persistent challenges in POCT tool development and deployment, such as cost, accessibility, and reliability. We emphasize recent advancements in POCT diagnostic tools as well as platforms poised to enhance diagnostic testing in sSA. Recognizing the urgency for affordable and widely accessible POCT diagnostic tools to detect PRIDs in sSA, we advocate for a multidisciplinary approach. This approach integrates current and emerging diagnostic methods, explicitly addressing challenges hindering point-of-care (POC) tool development. Furthermore, it recognizes the profound impact of misdiagnosis on public and global health, emphasizing the need for effective tools. To facilitate the successful development and implementation of POCT diagnostic tools in sSA, we propose strategies including the creation of multi-analyte detection POCT tools, the implementation of education and training programs, community engagement initiatives, fostering public-private collaborations, and the establishment of reliable supply chains. Through these concerted efforts, we aim to accelerate the development of POCT in the sSA region, ensuring its effectiveness and accessibility in addressing the diagnostic challenges associated with PRIDs.
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DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17198
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