Communities in South Africa demand rapid diagnostic tests for HIV, TB, and Diabetes, urging health systems to prioritize local needs

A formative qualitative study conducted in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and published in BMJ Open, reveals a strong community demand for decentralized diagnostic services. Researchers engaged with local community members to understand their disease priorities and preferences for testing. The findings show a clear preference for rapid, point-of-care diagnostic tests (RDTs) for high-burden conditions such as HIV, tuberculosis, and diabetes. Participants expressed frustration with the long wait times and logistical challenges associated with laboratory-based testing, which often delay treatment initiation. Instead, they advocated for "test and treat" models available at local clinics or community centers. The study underscores the importance of aligning health system capabilities with community needs. By deploying multi-disease rapid diagnostic platforms closer to where people live, health authorities can significantly improve patient engagement and health outcomes. The authors argue that listening to these community voices is essential for designing patient-centered health systems that effectively address the region's "quadruple burden" of disease.

Read the original article at: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/15/11/e104997

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