Factsheet: “Time for $5” Campaign

The GeneXpert diagnostic testing technology by the US corporation Cepheid has revolutionised rapid, accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB), the deadliest infectious disease in the world, as well as other diseases, such as HIV, hepatitis C and Ebola. MSF uses these tests routinely in medical programmes around the globe.

Yet, due to the high price of the GeneXpert test cartridges, many low- and middle-income countries cannot scale up testing for all people who need diagnosis.

MSF analysis has shown that it costs Cepheid less than US$5 to manufacture one GeneXpert test, but Cepheid charges MSF and low- and middle-income countries 2-4 times that price, depending on the disease. 

“Time for $5” is a campaign advocating for improved affordability and access to lifesaving GeneXpert tests in low- and middle-income countries. We are calling on Cepheid and its parent corporation Danaher to prioritise people over profits and reduce the price of GeneXpert tests to $5, so many more lives can be saved.