Resources

This document provides an operational update to countries and implementers on the use of HIV self-testing (HIVST) during the COVID-19 response. Through this update, the World Health Organization and Self-testing Africa (STAR) aim to highlight the importance of HIVST in the context of the COVID-19 response. It is a key way to maintain access to and uptake of HIV testing services and onward services for those at high ongoing risk of HIV.

A complete understanding of the current availability of oxygen can enable precise identification of gaps within or across health facilities and streamline efforts to ensure accurate supply of needed oxygen delivery devices. The Baseline Assessment Manual provides operational training and related resources for those involved in conducting a baseline assessment of the current status of oxygen delivery systems and barriers to access. The manual consists of the main training guide and two supporting resources—the baseline assessment survey and the baseline assessment training PowerPoint.This resource is part of the Oxygen Delivery Toolkit: Resources to plan and scale medical oxygen. The materials provided within the toolkit can be used together or separately, as needed. The complete toolkit is available at www.path.org/oxygen-delivery-toolkit.

When sick children arrive at primary health care (PHC) facilities, it is critical that they are appropriately screened, diagnosed, and managed, and if needed, referred to urgent care without delay. Clinical signs alone do not detect all indicators of severe illness in children. In order for health care workers to make the right diagnosis, they must be equipped with the right tools and training, including access to and training for pulse oximeters and clinical decision support tools.In many facilities across low- and middle-income countries, these critical tools are not broadly available, not functioning properly, not suited for newborns and children under one year old, or providers lack appropriate training and support. In addition, there is often no comprehensive policy to help countries select the best devices for their environments, and little information is available on their health impact, cost-effectiveness, or suitability in PHC settings.PATH, with support from Unitaid, and in partnership with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, is implementing the Tools for Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (TIMCI) project to improve access to affordable and appropriate tools to help health care workers identify critically ill children and refer them for treatment without delay.This fact sheet offers an overview of the project and the partnership involved in this work.

As COVID-19 spreads around the world, PATH in India is working to lessen its impact. PATH is partnering with governments, innovators, and peers across the country to plug the gaps in health systems and provide support to develop and strengthen systems that are preventing, identifying, tracking, and responding to the COVID-19 outbreak. This includes policy, preparedness, information, education and communications support, capacity-building and strengthening, digital and data strategies, accelerating innovations, and collaboration with partners.

Medical devices are an important health care investment, supporting effective treatment of a range of medical conditions across the life span. However, in many low- and middle-income countries, they quickly fall into disrepair due to poor management and maintenance over time. The Asset Management Guide offers resources to help track medical device upkeep and, over the long term, improve future procurement decisions.This resource is part of the Oxygen Delivery Toolkit: Resources to plan and scale medical oxygen. The materials provided within the toolkit can be used together or separately, as needed. The complete toolkit is available at www.path.org/oxygen-delivery-toolkit.