title: Global-to-local policy transfer in the introduction of new molecular tuberculosis diagnostics in South Africa.
abstract: METHODS
  Lack of innovation in diagnostics has contributed to tuberculosis (TB) remaining a global health challenge. It is critical to understand how new diagnostic technologies are translated into policies and how these are implemented.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To examine policy transfer for two rapid molecular diagnostic tests, GenoType(®) MDRTBplus and Xpert(®) MTB/RIF, to understand policy development, uptake and implementation in South Africa.
  
  
  METHODS
  A policy transfer analysis framework integrating the key dimensions of policy transfer into one coherent model was used. Two phases of key informant interviews were undertaken with a wide range of stakeholders.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both tests were developed through innovative partnerships and responded to urgent public health needs. GenoType was introduced through a process that was more inclusive than that for Xpert. National policy and planning processes were opaque for both tests. Their implementation, maintenance and expansion suffered from poor communication and coordination, insufficient attention to resource implications, technical challenges and a lack of broader health systems thinking.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our analysis identified the risks and benefits of partnerships for technological innovation, the complex intersections between global and national actors and the impact of health systems on policy transfer, and the risks of rescue- and technology-focused thinking in addressing public health challenges.
authors.affiliation: Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Colvin
authors.affiliation: Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Leon
authors.affiliation: Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wills
authors.affiliation: Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: van Niekerk
authors.affiliation: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bissell
authors.affiliation: Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Naidoo
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D011050:Policy Making; D013019:South Africa; D018581:Technology Transfer; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000175:diagnosis*