Biography
Brooke Nichols, PhD, is Associate Professor at Boston University School of Public Health, is an infectious disease mathematical modeler and health economist focused on optimizing diagnosis, prevention and treatment strategies for infectious diseases including tuberculosis, HIV, SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens of pandemic potential. Recently, her work has been instrumental in guiding the development of the WHO’s diagnostic Target Product Profiles for TB and other pathogens.
Key Impacts
Cost and impact of decentralising TB testing: Price thresholds for molecular instruments in high-TB-burden settings
At current prices, decentralised molecular TB testing is unlikely to be cost-effective, even with improved uptake. However, meaningful reductions in instrument costs could make decentralisation viable. As countries face tighter budgets, clear price targets for cost-effectiveness can help guide procurement and investment decisions in TB diagnostics.
Source: Conference 2024