In the early phase of the pandemic, many African countries lacked adequate COVID-19 testing capacity. In recent months however, governments across the continent have ramped up diagnosis, which is crucial to understand the scale of COVID-19 infections and guide public health measures against the virus.
Benin is one country that has boosted its COVID-19 response with increased testing. Starting with a single test lab in the capital during the beginning of the pandemic, it now has 13 laboratories capable of testing for COVID-19, covering all of its 12 departments.
A range of strategies have boosted Benin’s COVID-19 response. Triage and testing centres have been set up across the country’s 77 communes as well as in health facilities, airport and land border crossings. Mobile testing teams also carry out diagnosis in government and private company offices, while a hotline provides access to COVID-19 information and assistance.
WHO has supported the government throughout its efforts to step up testing in the country thanks to a US$ 30-million grant from the World Bank and other partners. In addition, WHO and its partner organizations have supplied reagents, sample collection and testing kits as well as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to boost the COVID-19 response.
In Gabon, with over 60 sample collection sites and a network of laboratories, the country has tested nearly a tenth of its 2 million people for COVID-19. The government has been steadily expanding diagnosis through mass testing and decentralization. The country has added laboratories (15 across the country) and sample collection centres across the country and set up a high-capacity laboratory in Libreville capable of carrying out up to 10 000 tests a day.
Since July, Gabon has been conducting more than 2 000 tests daily compared with around 200 tests per week earlier in the year.
With the support of WHO and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, 50 lab experts were trained on COVID-19 testing and biosafety. They later trained more than 80 technicians working in COVID-19 testing centres.
In Senegal, at the onset of the pandemic the country’s Institut Pasteur was one of only two laboratories in Africa able to test for COVID-19. A three-pronged strategy has shaped the country’s approach to increasing COVID-19 testing to tackle the disease. Senegal has focused on delivering test results within 24 hours once samples are received by the laboratory and created a digital platform through which health workers and travellers can receive test results. In addition, Senegal has decentralized its COVID-19 response to its districts, cutting down substantially on test transportation delays.
WHO, the Islamic Development Bank, and the government have worked together to make this possible.
In Zambia, The Government of the Republic of Korea in partnership with WHO donated COVID-19 test kits valued at US$ 200 000 to strengthen the government’s national pandemic response.
The roll-out of new WHO approved antigen-based rapid diagnostic tests for the novel coronavirus in Africa will significantly boost testing capacity and marks a game changer in the continent’s fight against COVID-19.
WHO thanks all donors and partners who have contributed to fund the Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan to combat COVID-19. A special appreciation goes to Member States and other contributors who provided flexible funds, making it possible for WHO to deliver a coherent, strategic and broad response.
Find out more about how WHO is helping ramp up testing in Benin, Gabon, Senegal and Zambia