Laboratory-based evaluation of rapid syphilis tests
The first meeting of the Expert Working Group for the evaluation of commercially available rapid tests for syphilis met in Seattle on May 7-8, 2001. A mechanism for performing laboratory-based evaluations of rapid treponemal-specific tests was established and a process for the selection and preparation of a network of laboratory sites for this evaluation was developed. 

Request for applications (RFA)
A RFA for performing laboratory-based evaluation of rapid treponemal-specific tests for syphilis was announced at a meeting of the International Society for STD Research (ISSTDR) in Berlin, June 24-27, 2001. For further details, and for online application instructions, please visit the TDR web site.

Applications must be submitted no later than September 1, 2001. Enquiries and applications for this request may be sent by mail, fax or email to: Dr. Rosanna Peeling, WHO/TDR/SDI, 20 Avenue Appia, Geneva, Switzerland, Fax: 41 22 791 4854. A RFA for conducting field evaluations of rapid diagnostic test performance and utility for gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis in developing country settings will be posted shortly. 

ISSTDR, Berlin, June 24-27, 2001
WHO sponsored a symposium at this meeting on The Public Health Impact of Rapid Sexually Transmitted Infection Diagnostics: Promises and Challenges. The symposium was co-chaired by Dr. M. Ball from the WHO Centre in Zimbabwe and Dr. R. Peeling, SDI, WHO/TDR. Excellent presentations were given by Dr. Edward Hook III, University of Alabama, USA on "Logistical Considerations In Implementation Of Rapid Testing Strategies For STD Control," and by Eline Korenromp, University of Rotterdam, The Netherlands on "Tools to Predict the Potential Impact of Rapid Diagnostic Tests: Explorations with the STDSIM model." To lead off the panel discussion for this symposium, Dr. Peeling gave a brief presentation on WHO activities in this area. An animated discussion on the promises and challenges of rapid diagnostics followed. Some of the challenges include the lack of reliable data on test performance, the utility of rapid tests in support of syndromic management in developed and developing countries and the lack of guidelines on regulatory approval of rapid sexually transmitted infections tests. 

Global Elimination of Chancroid
A planning meeting to discuss strategies for the global elimination of chancroid was held in Berlin at the ISSTDR meeting. There was general agreement that chancroid elimination is feasible. However, it is not clear whether a specific chancroid elimination program is needed, since experience in various African and Asian countries showed that the incidence of chancroid diminished with the strengthening of STD control programs. It was proposed that working groups be formed to further explore different issues related to chancroid elimination. 

Distribution of the SDI News
SDI is sending out bi-monthly electronic news updates of its activities. SDI News will also be posted on the TDR web site. Anyone wishing to be on the distribution list for SDI News should contact Dr R. Peeling