The World Health Organisation (WHO) has published its first Essential Diagnostics List.
Essential Diagnostics List
Who is the Director General of WHO?
Tedros Adhanom
Where are the headquarters of WHO located?
Geneva
WHO is a recognized member of?
UN Security Council
- The List aims to address the prevalence of late or incorrect diagnoses and improve treatment outcomes globally.
- Many people fail to get tested for diseases as they cannot access diagnostics services.
- WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom mentioned that no one should suffer or die because of lack of diagnostic services, or because the right tests were not available.
- With this list, WHO aims to provide a tool which would be useful to all countries.
- It would help in a better diagnosis and treatment and thus result in the more effective use of the health funds.
- According to WHO, an estimated 46 per cent of adults with Type 2 diabetes worldwide were undiagnosed, risking serious health complications and higher health costs.
- This Diagnostics List focusses on in vitro tests i.e. blood and urine tests.
- 58 tests are listed for detection and diagnosis of a wide range of common conditions.
- The remaining 55 tests are designed for the detection, diagnosis and monitoring of 'priority' diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, hepatitis B and C etc.
- For each test, the Essential Diagnostics List specifies the type of test and its intended use and health facilities with the laboratories.
- The list would be updated by the WHO on a regular basis and it may add certain new categories in the new edition.
Expected Questions
Which List has been published by the WHO for incorrect/late diagnosis?Essential Diagnostics List
Who is the Director General of WHO?
Tedros Adhanom
Where are the headquarters of WHO located?
Geneva
WHO is a recognized member of?
UN Security Council