Strong labs help save lives: Powering a more equitable future

In today’s interconnected world, building strong, resilient health systems is not just important  - it’s essential. Collective accountability must be at the heart of global health, especially when it comes to ensuring equitable access. Robust laboratory and diagnostic services are the foundation of effective healthcare, yet in many countries they remain underfunded and underdeveloped. In low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of infectious diseases is highest, only 18% of the population has access to essential diagnostic services1. This disparity leaves millions vulnerable to delayed treatment, misdiagnosis, and preventable deaths. 

Together with partners like The Global Fund,we are changing this reality driven by our commitment to expanding access to diagnostics and strengthening laboratory systems to deliver better health outcomes and lasting impact for the communities we serve.

Since 2022, our partnership with the Global Fund has been instrumental in laying the groundwork for a resilient global health infrastructure, creating real, systematic impacts: 

• Raising awareness of the value of diagnostics through our work with (RED)

• Supporting the integration of HIV and TB lab networks in Nigeria

• Helping Eswatini to build a centralised facility to manage the waste within the country more effectively.

• Improving lab equipment recycling rates through capacity building and increasing skilled workforce5within the African Diagnostics and Medical Instrument Recycling (ADMIRe) Coalition with BD and ACEN  (Africa Circular Economy Network).

Over the last two decades, the Global Fund partnership has saved 65 million lives and reduced the combined death rate from HIV, TB, and malaria by 63%4 - a remarkable achievement in global health. These gains reflect more than just statistics; they represent millions of families spared loss, health systems made stronger, and hope restored in communities once left behind. 

However, this progress is fragile. Without continued investment and innovation, we risk reversing these hard-won gains.  In 2023 alone, the Global Fund invested – US$142.4 millionto expand  laboratory and diagnostic services and US$98.6 million in disease surveillance4 –  underscoring the critical need for continued investment.

Sustainable, scalable impact starts with partnership

Delivering healthcare at scale, particularly in regions with the most fragile health systems, demands more than just resources. It requires unwavering collective commitment and coordinated action. It demands deep, cross-sector collaboration and a shared commitment to breaking down the systemic barriers that impede access to timely, quality care. Our partnership with the Global Fund exemplifies this approach. 

By combining Roche’s diagnostic expertise and innovation with the Global Fund’s extensive reach, proven delivery model and deep country partnerships, we support countries to enhance their diagnostics capacity, strengthen lab infrastructure and help secure resources to expand access to diagnostics and drive long-term transformation for all.

Looking ahead, a renewed commitment 

In 2025, Roche proudly renewed its commitment to the Global Fund in support of the 8th Replenishment (2026 - 2028) with an in-kind contribution of US$1 million in Technical Assistance (TA). This support will help drive improvements across the diagnostic ecosystem – from integration and digital tools to sample transport, governance and business planning. 

We are also continuing our joint work, to advance sustainable, healthcare waste management, sharing best practices and supporting affordable, eco-friendly solutions that protect both people and the planet. The partnership between Roche and the Global Fund proves what’s possible when science innovation and global commitment comes together. 

This is impact at scale—and a future we can build, together.