About SAND
Surveillance, Analysis and Networked Diagnostics
SAND was developed to strengthen health systems through AI powered diagnostic interpretation for tests carried out using Rapid Diagnostic Test kits, and establishing centralized infection screening, diagnosis, tracking and surveillance capabilities.
SAND helps establish accurate, swift and data-driven infection diagnosis and surveillance capabilities within the health sector.
Our Team
The people behind SAND
Dr. Simon Azariah
Dr. Simon Azariah is a physician, health systems and governance specialist, and CEO of Progressive Development Initiative (PDI), UK. With experience across 23 countries and long-standing work with governments, donors, UN agencies, the Global Fund, FCDO, USAID, the World Bank, KfW, GIZ and others, he brings a rare combination of clinical insight, public health strategy, surveillance expertise, programme leadership and implementation experience.
SAND (Surveillance, Analysis and Networked Diagnostics) is his brainchild, and he has led its conceptualisation, design and development as an AI-enabled platform for RDT reading, interpretation, reporting, pathway advice and data management. Building on his extensive work in HIV, hepatitis, health systems reform, surveillance and donor-supported programmes, Dr. Simon has shaped SAND as a practical digital diagnostics solution that connects frontline testing with real-time data, quality assurance, decision support and public health action.
Dr. Nosheen Dar
Dr. Nosheen Dar is an immunologist with over a decade of experience in HIV research, biological testing, and infectious disease surveillance. As part of the Progressive Development Initiative (PDI), she served as the Biological Testing Lead for Pakistan's Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance (IBBS) Round 4 and Round 6, providing scientific leadership in protocol development, laboratory systems, quality assurance, and biological data analysis.
With extensive experience in large-scale rapid diagnostic testing, Dr. Dar leads SAND's scientific and clinical strategy, ensuring that the platform is evidence-based, scientifically rigorous, and aligned with the needs of healthcare providers. Her expertise spans laboratory science, and diagnostic quality assurance, supporting the development of AI-driven solutions that improve the accuracy, consistency, and accessibility of rapid diagnostic testing.