Testing, an essential tool in fighting the pandemic
The implementation of sustainable testing strategies for Covid-19 supports the overall public health response to the pandemic and helps mitigate its impact on vulnerable populations and healthcare systems, while ensuring that societies and economies can continue to function COVID strategies and objectives for coronavirus testing of populations to achieve specific public health objectives. The improvement in the diagnostic capabilities of Covid antigen rapid diagnostic equipment is revolutionizing interventions for detecting the onset of Covid infections around the world, fast becoming similar to the efficacy of the much more expensive PCR testing technology.
Within this transforming technological environment, it is important to differentiate between the few highly efficient antigen testing technology and the many poorer quality options. For this purpose, validation of antigen testing kits by reputable peer organizations is key. Organizations such as the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), the Paul Ehrlich Institute (German Federal Institute for Vaccines and Biomedicines) and the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, (FIND), a WHO Collaborating Centre for Laboratory Strengthening and Diagnostic Technology Evaluation NGO.
We have arranged ex-factory access to two of the highest rated German antigen kit manufacturers so that African countries can be able to test as widely as possible at price points that are affordable for their citizens.
Testing Methods - Benefits of Antigen Tests versus other coronavirus tests
There are different types of coronavirus tests, each having its own merits and limitations. The timing of tests is also critical. Among the tests that detect current infection, (rapid) antigen tests have come to the fore. Rapid antigen tests can contribute to overall Covid-19 testing capacity,
Some of the core benefits of affordable, widespread and frequent rapid antigen testing are:
- Early detection of potential hotspots, leading to more efficient intervention planning.
- Reduced community anxiety and mental health issues due to enhanced peace of mind and fewer disruptions to social interaction norms.
- Stabilized access to education for learners and teachers, including enabling learners to interact more freely with each other without the anxiety of catching Covid.
- Prevention of super spreader gatherings whilst allowing gatherings of tested Covid negative people (in churches, restaurants, resorts, and factories)
Modalities
Coronavirus testing will continue to play an important role, from diagnosing infections, to enabling enhanced understanding of disease spread, to helping contain disease transmission, to providing insights into immunity and aiding the development of therapeutics and vaccines. Some experts promote the idea of tests that are cheap and simple enough to use at home, envisioning a world where taking a coronavirus test would be as easy as brushing one's teeth.
- National and regional governments funding of rapid antigen testing kits for public schools, hospitals, and civil service institutions.
- Mining companies’ funding for mining employees and communities.
- Hospitality institutions’ funding for hotels and resorts employees, enabling low-cost rapid tests for tourists at check-in.
- Churches weekly pre-service testing for worshipers.
It is helpful to also remain aware of testing regimes in neighboring territories to ensure that testing policies contribute to the smooth functioning of the internal market, cross-border travel and free movement of people, services and goods.
Cost and Price
There are rather high downstream prices to be paid for not antigen testing for Covid statuses in the general population given the prospect of asymptomatic spreaders or late detection resulting in pressures on the health delivery system.
The price of the more popular PCR testing can be as much as ten times higher than the price of (now)similarly efficient antigen testing. As acknowledged by the Africa CDC, advances in rapid antigen testing technologies have brought these two testing regimes almost into par.
The price of the best antigen testing kits in Africa is ten times or higher more expensive than the same kits prices in EU countries. In South Africa, antigen tests at Dischem Pharmacies cost twenty five dollars (R350.00) whilst in Europe the same test retails for under $3.00. We have arranged to source two of Germany’s top test kits so they can retail to South African citizens at similarly low EU price.