The Collaboration for Global Health meeting convened in Seoul, Republic of Korea, from 4–5 November 2025, bringing together global health experts, industry leaders, and policymakers to address a critical issue: access to quality-assured diagnostic tests for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
Participants discussed strategies to expand access to reliable diagnostics, particularly in resource-limited settings and underserved regions. The Ministry of Health and Welfare and Ministry of Food and Drug Safety shared Korea’s vision for advancing its healthcare product industry, while local IVD manufacturers showcased innovative technologies under development.
Representatives from the Right Foundation, the Gates Foundation, Korea Health Industry Development Institute, and the Médecins Sans Frontières discussed challenges and highlighted ongoing initiatives to support innovation and equitable access to IVDs for global health, including NTDs.
A key focus of the meeting was the WHO Prequalification (PQ) of in vitro diagnostics (IVDs). Day two featured an in-depth presentation on the WHO PQ process for IVDs, covering requirements, assessment procedures, and real-world case studies. A dynamic Q&A session with the WHO prequalification team allowed for direct engagement, and IVD manufacturers benefited from one-on-one consultations to discuss their current and planned PQ applications.
The meeting fostered stakeholder engagement and collaboration, reinforcing the shared commitment to improving access to quality diagnostics worldwide.