Expansion of Wisp’s At-Home Diagnostic Testing: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Wisp, a leading U.S.-based women’s telehealth provider serving over 1.5 million patients nationwide, has announced a significant expansion of its diagnostics vertical through the launch of new, affordable at-home testing kits. This initiative aligns closely with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), by enhancing access to sexual and reproductive health care.

Growing Suite of At-Home Testing Solutions

Building on its initial diagnostic launch in May, Wisp now offers an expanded range of at-home testing kits targeting common sexual and reproductive health concerns. These offerings contribute to SDG 3 by promoting health and well-being through accessible diagnostics.

1. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and Yeast Infections: A swab test kit priced at $159, providing convenient and discreet testing for prevalent vaginal health issues.
2. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 & HSV-2): At $169, this at-home swab test covers both types of the herpes virus.
3. Human Papillomavirus (HPV): A critical screening tool available for $105, enabling fast and convenient home-based HPV screening.

These new kits complement Wisp’s existing diagnostic panels, which include:

• Common STI Panel: Testing for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Trichomoniasis.
• 3-Site Panel: Comprehensive testing for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea across multiple anatomical sites.
• Mycoplasma Genitalium (M-Gen) Panel: Dedicated testing for Mycoplasma Genitalium.

Why At-Home Testing Matters: Accessibility, Affordability, and Empowerment

Wisp’s expansion emphasizes the importance of accessible, affordable, and stigma-free sexual health care, directly supporting SDG 3 and SDG 10 by reducing health inequalities and promoting well-being for all.

• Unmatched Affordability: Wisp offers the lowest price point in the market for its test kits, making essential diagnostics financially accessible to a broader population, thus addressing economic barriers consistent with SDG 10.
• Integrated Care with Free Consultations: Each test kit purchase includes a complimentary virtual consultation with a licensed medical provider, ensuring appropriate follow-up care and facilitating access to prescriptions via local pharmacies or discreet home delivery. This integration promotes quality health services in line with SDG 3.
• Removing Stigma and Maximizing Convenience: The discreet, at-home testing model eliminates the need for in-person clinic visits, reducing stigma and empowering individuals—especially women—to take control of their sexual and reproductive health from the privacy of their homes. This approach advances SDG 5 by promoting gender equality and empowering women.

Conclusion

Wisp’s expanded at-home testing solutions represent a critical advancement in telehealth, directly contributing to the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals. By improving accessibility, affordability, and patient empowerment in sexual and reproductive health care, Wisp supports global efforts to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on expanding access to sexual and reproductive health care through affordable at-home testing kits, directly contributing to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • By providing women-focused telehealth services and empowering individuals to take control of their sexual and reproductive health, the article addresses gender equality and women’s empowerment.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The use of telehealth technology and innovative at-home diagnostic solutions reflects advancements in infrastructure and innovation in healthcare delivery.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.7: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection and access to quality essential health-care services and medicines.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors, including health technologies.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for Target 3.7: Proportion of women of reproductive age who have their need for family planning satisfied with modern methods.
2. Indicator for Target 3.8: Coverage of essential health services, including availability and use of sexual and reproductive health services.
3. Indicator for Target 5.6: Proportion of women aged 15-49 years who make their own informed decisions regarding sexual relations, contraceptive use, and reproductive health care.
4. Indicator for Target 9.5: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP and number of researchers per million inhabitants, reflecting innovation in health diagnostics.
5. Additional Implied Indicators:
   • Number of patients accessing at-home sexual and reproductive health testing services.
   • Reduction in wait times for sexual and reproductive health diagnostics.
   • Affordability metrics such as average cost of diagnostic tests compared to market prices.
   • Utilization rates of telehealth consultations following diagnostic testing.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: hitconsultant.net