Global Pathology: A Snapshot of the Problems, the Progress, and the Potential

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Pathology
• Laboratory Medicine

Background:

• The United Nations aims for universal health care by 2030 through Sustainable Development Goals.
• Currently, 47% of the global population lacks access to essential diagnostics.
• Noncommunicable diseases are rising in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), increasing the need for diagnostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize progress in overcoming barriers to diagnostic access in LMICs.
• To explore solutions for achieving global diagnostic equity.
• To provide a snapshot of the current state of global pathology.

Main Methods:

• Interviews with global pathology experts and pathologists in low-resource settings.
• Analysis and summarization of published literature on global pathology work.

Main Results:

• A significant diagnostic gap exists, contributing to preventable deaths.
• Millions of lives can be saved by increasing diagnostic access in low-resource settings.
• Achieving diagnostic equity requires a multi-faceted global commitment.

Conclusions:

• Global diagnostic equity is essential for achieving universal health care.
• A collaborative effort involving the pathology community, governments, and public-private sectors is necessary.
• Increased access to diagnostics in LMICs will significantly improve global health outcomes.