Point of Care Diagnostic Devices for Global Health

Collaboration with Rebecca Richards-Kortum, Rice University
The growing importance of global health problems has received substantial attention lately. Concerns about worldwide spread of emerging infectious diseases and new virulent multiresistant strains, humanitarian desires for equity in access to healthcare, and the fragile balance of sustaining past advances in world health in the face of increasing conflict and natural disasters all highlight the importance of increased efforts to address global health disparities. Technology based advances in diagnostic imaging and lab medicine have led to enormous gains in health in developed countries over the last 50 years. Unfortunately, the infrastructure and resources required to implement these technologies are simply not available in many developing countries which may lack stable electrical power, running water, necessary reagents, and highly trained personnel. Parallel advances in MEMS technologies, miniature microscopy, molecular recognition, and low power sensors and microprocessors offer the ability to design new platforms for point-of-care diagnostics appropriate for developing countries. In order to develop breakthrough technology platforms to solve global health inequities, new international approaches that merge appropriate science and technology, international education and entrepreneurship must be developed. The goal of our efforts here is to build an international consortium of researchers and educators devoted to developing point-of-care diagnostic technologies that address major global health issues. Our group includes investigators from the US, Africa, India and China with expertise in global health and technology development; together we will carry out collaborative research and education to develop new technology platforms for point-of-care diagnostics appropriate for use in developing countries.