Description of the project

Diagnosing MDR-TB is very difficult, especially in resource-poor settings, where access to laboratories with sophisticated equipment can be limited. A new diagnostic test is now available which cuts the time it takes to diagnose MDR-TB from up to three months down to only two days. This represents a revolution in MDR-TB diagnosis, and will facilitate treatment. It will also contribute to the ability to forecast demand for MDR-TB medicines. This, in turn, should have an impact on price, availability and quality of treatment.

UNITAID has committed to funding these tests until 2013, with the aim of facilitating the response to 15% of the global MDR-TB burden, representing a three-fold increase over the current 5% of MDR-TB cases being diagnosed.

A.	Project title:	Expanding and accelerating access to diagnostics for patients at risk of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB)
B.	Timeframe:	Project duration: 2009-2013
C.	Amount committed by UNITAID:	US$ 87 562 000
D.	Lead partner:	Global Laboratory Initiative (GLI), Stop TB Partnership, World Health Organization (WHO)
E.	Other partner(s):	Global Drug Facility (GDF), Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND)