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‘Smart’ use of critical rapid tests amid COVID spike – Global issues

Dr Carissa Etienne, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), highlighted the important need for countries to scale up testing and especially to take advantage of the “smart” use of tests. rapid antigen test.

In this week, COVID-19 The number of cases in the region reached a new peak, with nearly 7.2 million new infections and more than 15,000 deaths.

“Although Omicron infections appear to be milder, we continue to recommend caution as the virus is spreading more actively than ever.” she speaks.

Area overview

The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations continues to increase in North America, the United States, and Canada.

Panama, Costa Rica and Honduras have seen their deaths more than double over the past week, representing the highest number of new cases in Central America.

The Caribbean islands are also seeing the steepest rise in infections in nearly three years since the pandemic was declared. Cases in Martinique have increased by more than 600%, while Saint Martin has reported an increase of more than 135%.

The number of patients in more than 17 countries and territories has at least doubled, which she says is particularly concerning given the limited hospital capacity in many islands.

Infections are also on the rise in Colombia, Peru, Brazil and Bolivia, while hospitalizations are on the rise in Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina.

‘Use tests wisely’

As the virus increases, countries are facing what Dr Etienne calls the “familiar challenge” of testing.

Despite a strong network of laboratories across the Americas, the need for testing is as high as ever, especially as many countries are also experiencing flu season. “So it’s important that countries use the tests intelligently,” she speaks.

PAHO has recommended that the best way to ramp up testing is to use rapid antigen tests, which provide a diagnosis in minutes.

These tests do not require specialized training or expensive equipment, and can be deployed to primary health centers, meaning more people can be reached.

Dr. Etienne called on countries to expand testing at the community level to relieve pressure on overcrowded hospitals.

“As we are facing a shortage of testing, PAHO recommends that countries prioritize rapid antigen testing for individuals who are experiencing COVID symptoms and are at risk of spreading the virus,” she said. she said.

Support countries

PAHO continues to support countries in the region during the pandemic.

Through its Strategy Fund, more than 42 million PCR diagnostic tests and rapid antigen tests for nearly 40 countries have been collected since the start of the crisis, more than two years ago.

More than 12 million tests have been rolled out to countries in need, with stocks sent to Bolivia, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, as well as St. Kitts and Nevis, in recent weeks.

Health authorities have also established agreements with two of the WHO– manufacturers approved diagnostic tests for COVID-19, to secure them at a reduced cost.

Dr Etienne urged governments to take advantage of the deal by purchasing diagnostic tests through the PAHO Strategic Fund.

Since January 2021, the Fund has purchased more than 22 million COVID tests on behalf of countries in the region, and orders are expected to increase this year.

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