The introduction of this rapid antigen test, by Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/World Health Organization (WHO), provides a well needed backbone to the region’s fight against the COVID-19 virus. It is an (inherently) primary care tool, in stark contrast to it’s Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) alternative, akin to a secondary-tertiary level type intervention.
Finally, the legendary public health expertise, of PAHO-WHO (in tandem with the regions primary care health workers) can be put to work, battling this virus, where it is most important, at the level of the community.
Now, primary care doctors, public health nurses; health center nurses; and other primary care workers can do what they do best: early detection, early referral and early treatment.
Shortly, our friends in the Ministries of Health, across the Americas, can go back to their principal responsibilities of: policy development and monitoring; While, regulating delivery of health care systems in an equitable manner; and preparing for the rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as one becomes available.
Arvel Grant
Public Health and International Development Specialist.
See the PAHO-WHO official statement immediately below. PAHO: New rapid antigen tests could transform COVID-19 response in the Americas :
https://ewnews.com/paho-new-rapid-antigen-tests-could-transform-covid-19-response-in-the-americas