Dr. Kevin Land, the Head of Innovative Research and Development at Global Access Diagnostics (GADx), delivered a compelling keynote at the prestigious POCT Leipzig conference on April 17, 2024. The event, hosted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, brought together leading experts, researchers, and industry professionals to discuss the latest advancements in point-of-care testing (POCT) and its critical role in global health.
POCT Leipzig 2024
POCT Leipzig is an annual event that serves as a vital platform for sharing knowledge and fostering collaborations aimed at improving diagnostic capabilities worldwide. This year, the conference was held over two days, April 17-18, at the Fraunhofer Institute in Leipzig, Germany. It featured a diverse program, including keynote speeches, poster sessions, and industry presentations.
The attendees included renowned researchers, clinical practitioners, and industry leaders who are at the forefront of developing and implementing innovative POCT technologies. POCT aims to address current challenges and future directions in the field, with a particular focus on enhancing diagnostic accessibility and effectiveness in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Highlights from Dr. Land’s Presentation
In his keynote titled “POCT for Global Health: Innovating for the Future,” Dr. Land emphasised the transformative potential of point-of-care diagnostics, particularly in LMICs. He addressed several critical areas where POCT can make a significant impact:
- HIV Diagnostics and the 90-90-90 Targets: Dr. Land discussed the United Nations’ 90-90-90 targets for HIV, which aim to have 90% of all people living with HIV know their status, 90% of those diagnosed receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 90% of those on therapy achieve viral suppression by 2030. He highlighted the importance of accurate and accessible diagnostic tools in achieving these targets and noted the significant strides made in reducing new HIV cases.
- Tuberculosis Diagnostic Needs: The presentation also covered the global targets set by the WHO for TB, focusing on the necessity for rapid molecular diagnostic tests. Dr. Land pointed out that while current coverage of rapid diagnostic testing for TB is around 47%, there is a goal to reach 100% by 2027. This underscores the need for innovative, affordable, and accessible diagnostic solutions.
- Safe Drinking Water: Addressing the critical need for safe drinking water, Dr. Land explained that bacterial contamination remains a significant risk in many communities. He stressed the necessity for rapid and reliable diagnostic tests to ensure water safety and prevent disease outbreaks.
- Lessons from Covid-19: Dr. Land shared insights from the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly the challenges faced by LMICs in terms of diagnostic capabilities. He noted the critical lack of local manufacturing capabilities and the slow turnaround times for PCR tests, which hampered effective testing, tracking, and isolation efforts. The pandemic highlighted the urgent need for faster, more accessible diagnostic tests.
- The REASSURED Criteria: Dr. Land introduced the REASSURED criteria—Real-time connectivity, Ease of sample collection, Affordable, Sensitive, Specific, User-friendly, Rapid and Robust, Environmentally friendly and Equipment-free, and Deliverable—which GADx uses to guide the development of diagnostics. These criteria ensure that diagnostic tests are not only effective but also accessible and practical for use in resource-limited settings.
- Innovations in Diagnostic Technologies: The keynote also covered various innovative technologies being explored by GADx, such as printed sensors, cloud storage, 3D printing, and mobile connectivity. These advancements have the potential to significantly impact the field of diagnostics by making tests more affordable, rapid, and accessible.
The Future of POCT
Dr. Land concluded his keynote by emphasising the immense opportunities that lie ahead in the field of POCT. He called for continued investment in research and development, as well as strong collaborations between stakeholders, to overcome the challenges and make a meaningful impact on global health.
The POCT Leipzig conference served as a vital platform for sharing knowledge and fostering collaborations aimed at improving diagnostic capabilities worldwide. Dr. Land’s insights and the innovative approaches of GADx underscore the critical role of point-of-care testing in enhancing healthcare outcomes, particularly in underserved regions.
For more information about the POCT Leipzig conference and the work of Dr. Kevin Land and GADx, visit the POCT Meeting website.
Interested in learning more about how GADx’s innovative solutions can benefit your organisation or community? Contact us today to discuss our range of products and services, and how we can work together to advance global health diagnostics.