BELIZE CITY, Belize, (PAHO) – As part of the continued efforts to support the molecular testing for SARS-CoV-2 in Belize, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) made a donation of 30,000 nasopharyngeal swabs to the Central Medical Laboratory.
The nasopharyngeal swab is a narrow stick with absorbing material used for collecting nasal secretions from the nose and the throat. Once collected, the samples are then placed within the PCR machine for testing. As the PCR remains the gold standard test for SARS-CoV-2, the nasopharyngeal swabs are a crucial component for detecting and diagnosing COVID-19. With this donation, the ability to continue molecular testing capabilities at Central Medical Lab will be enhanced.
PAHO/WHO Malaria and other Vector-borne Diseases Specialist, Dr Job Joseph, handed over the swabs to Senior Medical Technologist Aldo Sosa who was grateful to accept the items on behalf of the ministry of health and wellness and the laboratory.
“This donation supports and strengthens our national effort in providing quality testing for SARS-COV-2,” said Sosa.
As cases continue to rise globally and nationally, it is key for the country to keep up its testing standards and enhancing its lab capacity. PAHO/WHO Belize, along with partners, maintains working with the ministry and the country to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
