COVID-19 ECHO Session #32: Launch of SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Test Training Package


December 15, 2020

On 12 November 2020, this COVID-19 ECHO session was convened to discuss the launch of the SARS-CoV-2 antigen rapid test training package developed by ASLM and Africa CDC, in partnership with CHAI, AFENET, AMREF, and Last Mile Health. The training package, available to all African Union Member States, aims to support the scale-up of SARS-CoV-2 testing through accessible and adaptable COVID-19 antigen testing training. It is expected that this training package will (1) enhance the quality-assured implementation of SARS-CoV-2 antigen rapid tests within appropriate diagnostic testing strategies; (2) strengthen competencies (knowledge and skills) of healthcare service providers to perform SARS-CoV-2 antigen testing for COVID-19 diagnosis and screening in a safe, reliable and professional manner; and (3) provide knowledge and expertise to AU Member States on the role of SARS-CoV-2 antigen rapid diagnostic testing for the COVID-19 epidemic response. Presentations were made by Ndlovu Nqobile, CEO, African Society For Laboratory Medicine; Dr John Nkengasong, Director, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention; and Simon Antara, Executive Director, African Field Epidemiology Network. Please follow the links posted here to view the recorded video session on ASLM’s YouTube channel, and download the presentation slides from the session. The Q&A for this session is pending. Please check back for updates.