OPPORTUNITIES
Despite the challenges to implementing Xpert, a number of opportunities for strengthening many aspects of TB prevention, diagnostic, and treatment programs are emerging.
Public-Private Partnerships
The successful public-private partnership among Cepheid, FIND, NIH, and UMDNJ to develop the Xpert assay may serve as a model for other collaborations to develop even better diagnostics and new technologies for TB. Similarly, the donor partnership between the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, PEPFAR, UNITAID, and USAID immediately increased affordability of Xpertcartridges.