VIROLOGY
to allow for widespread use; however, average prices have not changed over time. The market-leading manufacturers have set prices and not changed them as the market has grown or in response to the entrance of lower-priced products with good performance. These new, more affordable products have not penetrated the market, and as a result programmes are spending more on HIV tests than necessary.
Reviewing policy and procurement Market-related priorities for supply security and healthy competition require developing policy and procurement strategies that diversify the professional use HIV test market. A forum should be convened among experts with quality, technical, programme, procurement, and market experience to explore opportunities for diversifying supply and encouraging price competition. A large procurement agency or donor should take the lead in organising this collaboration of stakeholders that will support a comprehensive policy review and align procurement. While discussions should be focused on A1 market, it is essential that the procurement approach consider the sustainability of A2/A3 market segment. The foundations for healthy HIVST market competition are in place, assuming continued demand growth and uptake of newer, more affordable tests. A notable exception is commercial HIVST markets (online and retail), which are not yet developed. For most potential LMIC consumers, the price of HIVST in these channels is too high. Low demand disincentivises supply-side actors from investing in market development. It should be an aim to consolidate
product selection guidance for buyers, including a comparative summary of information on product performance, quality, usability, and other key product features. While some of this information is available via PQ websites and public reports, having it consolidated in one place and continually updated is essential to ensuring information is readily available to inform product comparisons and selections. It is important to increase awareness of
A rapid self-test for HIV.
any guidance and information among stakeholders (especially retailers) who may not be familiar with WHO and its role. Private sector supply chain actors may increasingly need this information.
Growing the market During the current period of declining funding, it is vital to ensure testing is kept relevant at the top of the agenda. Funding to support testing is essential and requires clear articulation and demonstration of its central role and impact in different use cases. Some countries use professional and self-tests that, while they meet local regulatory standards, may not meet PQ / equivalent SRA standards for HIV testing. It is vital to strengthen LMIC regulatory systems; however, sole reliance on local standards may be premature in some instances given the implications of an HIV misdiagnosis.
Geopolitical and supply chain risks are
also concerns, as regions with the greatest HIV test demand rely entirely on imported
Geopolitical and supply chain risks are also concerns, as regions with the greatest HIV test demand rely entirely on imported products. The pandemic highlighted problems of supply not being available locally for many health commodities
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The report, ‘HIV rapid diagnostic test market landscape’ was prepared by Eureka Idea Co. (EIC) which also conducted the underlying analysis of the HIV RDT market in coordination with WHO and with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The full report can be accessed at
http://tinyurl.com/PIPHIVreport
Read more about the WHO’s Global HIV programme at
https://www.who.int/teams/global-hiv- hepatitis-and-stis-programmes/overview
FEBRUARY 2024
WWW.PATHOLOGYINPRACTICE.COM
products. The pandemic highlighted problems of supply not being available locally for many health commodities. The HIV test market is global, but no products are made in regions with the highest burden. Improving regional supply will take time and should be linked to broader economic development, biotech industry development, and supply chain strengthening initiatives. Moreover, timelines for developing markets for locally produced products should reflect the many complexities of the HIV markets. Further recommendations in the
report are to address barriers to switching products and monitor compliance with WHO recommendations, as well as to increase price competition and reduce supply risk through procurement – through procurers following closely and changes in WHO policy and support being provided for new entrants to the market.
Licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
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