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Peter Imoesi: Why Nigeria should rethink its COVID-19 testing approach
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control says 40,043 COVID-19 tests have been conducted so far. The national public health institute had earlier this month released a guideline for the Integration of Private Sector Laboratories as part of the National COVID-19 Response. Peter Imoesi, Fellow at Aberdeen University joins CNBC Africa to assess Nigeria's approach to testing.
Fri, 22 May 2020 11:39:33 GMT
Disclaimer: The following content is generated automatically by a GPT AI and may not be accurate. To verify the details, please watch the video
AI Generated Summary
- Pool testing offers a cost-effective and efficient method to increase testing capacity and speed.
- Nigeria's current testing approach falls short of recommended volumes, highlighting the need for a strategic roadmap.
- Embracing pool testing alongside individual testing can help identify and isolate infected individuals more effectively.
Nigeria, like many countries around the world, has been grappling with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. With over 40,000 tests conducted so far, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has been at the forefront of the country's testing efforts. However, there are concerns about the effectiveness and efficiency of the current testing strategy. Peter Emoise, a fellow at Aberdeen University, recently shared his assessment of Nigeria's approach to testing in an interview on CNBC Africa. Emoise highlighted the need for a more robust and strategic testing approach to better combat the spread of the virus. One key aspect of his recommendation is the adoption of pool testing, a method that has proven successful in other countries. Pool testing involves combining samples from multiple individuals and testing them together. If the pool tests positive, then each sample is tested individually to identify the infected individual. Emoise emphasized that pool testing can significantly increase the speed and efficiency of testing while also being cost-effective. He pointed out that countries like Korea, Israel, and certain states in India and the US have successfully implemented pool testing as part of their COVID-19 response strategies. Despite the merits of pool testing, Emoise acknowledged that there are challenges associated with the method. One such challenge is the need to retest individual samples if a pool tests positive. However, Emoise underscored that with careful optimization of protocols and procedures, pool testing can deliver accurate and timely results. He stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity and sensitivity of the testing process to ensure reliable outcomes. Emoise's assessment also shed light on the shortcomings of Nigeria's current testing capacity. With around 27 laboratories conducting tests, the country is averaging just over 1,000 tests per day per laboratory. This falls short of the recommended testing volume needed to effectively track and contain the virus. Emoise emphasized the need for a clear and ambitious testing roadmap to guide Nigeria's efforts. He highlighted the World Health Organization's recommendation for extensive testing as a fundamental strategy in combating COVID-19. Emoise urged the NCDC to adopt a two-pronged approach: individual testing for high-risk areas and pool testing for regions with lower prevalence. By diversifying its testing methods and increasing testing capacity, Nigeria can better identify and isolate infected individuals, thereby containing the spread of the virus. Emoise's insights underscore the importance of innovation and adaptability in responding to the evolving challenges posed by the pandemic. As Nigeria continues to refine its testing strategy, the integration of pool testing could prove to be a game-changer in the country's fight against COVID-19. With a strategic and comprehensive approach to testing, Nigeria can enhance its ability to monitor and control the spread of the virus, ultimately safeguarding the health and well-being of its population.
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