MSF warns that supply delays of critical TB test will cost lives

The Stop TB Partnership's Global Drug Facility (GDF) communicated on the 14 September 2022 that there could be significant supply delays of the critical GeneXpert TB test due to production constraints by Cepheid, the US based corporation that produces the test. The communication says that the delays are caused by COVID supply chain challenges and an increasing demand for GeneXpert TB tests. Countries placing larger orders may face delays of up to 6 months. The backlog of orders for TB tests is expected to last through March 2023. GDF facilitates global access to quality-assured TB diagnostics and treatments through a one-stop procurement and supply mechanism for national TB programs. Read more here.