WHO model list of essential in vitro diagnostics: strengthening diagnostics capacity to transform health care for all

Abstract

This Comment discusses the WHO model list of essential in vitro diagnostics (EDL) as a tool for strengthening diagnostics capacity and transforming access to health care. It highlights the 2023 World Health Assembly resolution on strengthening diagnostics capacity, the role of national essential diagnostics lists, the importance of in vitro diagnostics for universal health coverage, antimicrobial resistance, communicable and non-communicable diseases, and pandemic preparedness, and the need for health-system approaches that include financing, quality improvement, workforce planning, innovation, accountability, and policy cohesion.