DATE: December 10, 2025
TIME: 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. (EST).
LANGUAGES: Spanish and English, with simultaneous interpretation.
Diagnosis is the first step on the path to health, yet nearly 1 out of 2 people do not have access to accurate, reliable diagnosis. Diagnostics are fundamental to effective health systems, empowering professionals to identify diseases and conditions accurately. Their results influence over 70% of clinical decisions despite representing only 3 to 5% of healthcare budgets.
Diagnosis play a critical role in prevention, screening, case management, monitoring, and surveillance across communicable, noncommunicable, neglected tropical and rare diseases, injuries, and disabilities.
This joint webinar between PAHO and FIND aims to support countries in the Americas in strengthening access to diagnostics through effective strategies with a focus on the adoption of national essential diagnostic lists (nEDLs).
Join us to learn more about the essential role of diagnostics in strengthening health systems and explore how developing and implementing a nEDL can help prioritize essential tests and improve equitable access to quality diagnostics across all levels of the health system.
Agenda:
Why diagnostics matter for health systems
- Mikashmi Kohli, Senior Manager for Evidence and Policy, FIND
Diagnostic Lists: WHO Model List of Essential In Vitro Diagnostics (EDL) and National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL)
- Dr. Ana Aceves Capri, Technical Officer, WHO EDL Secretariat
- Alexandre Lemgruber, Acting Unit Chief, Access to Medicines and Health Technologies, PAHO/WHO
Honduras’ Experience in Developing a NEDL
Dr. Suyapa Mendoza Maradiaga, Committee Coordinator for the Development of the National Essential In Vitro Diagnostics List