New Covid-19 Rapid Tests a Game Changer for Africa

A partnership between WHO, international organizations, the private sector and philanthropists, has seen the development of new, cheaper and less fragile tests that could help identify and treat novel coronavirus cases more quickly in Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organization's regional director for Africa, has said. Over 20 million antigen tests are being distributed to low and middle income countries, with many to be sent to the continent. Some experts worry that Africa has so far, lacked the ability to test widely enough, especially in hard-to-reach rural areas, and that its case counts are not reflecting actual numbers, impeding the tracking of the virus. However, developed countries with world-class health systems, have been among the hardest-hit by the novel coronavirus outbreak.

InFocus

WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti (file photo).

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