Covid-19 rapid tests to be rolled out worldwide in low- and middle-income countries

A RAPID COVID-19 test showing immediate results in 15 to 30 minutes will be launched worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced today.

The WHO said two companies have developed 120 million quality, affordable Covid-19 rapid tests for low- and middle-income countries and they will be available for $ 5 (€ 4.30) or less.

One test received emergency approval from WHO and the other is expected to receive approval soon.

The WHO said the tests “will allow for the expansion of testing, particularly in countries that do not have extensive laboratory facilities or trained health workers.”

The tests, which were developed by Abbott and SD Biosensor, are portable, reliable and easy to administer, according to the WHO. He said the tests are faster and cheaper than lab tests.

The development of the tests is the latest step in the Access to Covid-19 Tools (ACT accelerator) initiative, which was launched in March by the WHO, the European Commission and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said today: “High-quality rapid tests show us where the virus is hiding, which is key to quickly tracking and isolating contacts and breaking chains of transmission.

“Testing is a critical tool for governments seeking to reopen economies and ultimately save lives and livelihoods.”

Dr. Catharina Boehme, CEO of the nonprofit Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), said: “With this Ag RDT package, ACT-Accelerator partners have secured much-needed tools for LMICs to dramatically increase Covid-19 testing.

“With the financial support of several countries, we have made great progress, but to ensure that we reach all those who need testing and lower prices, we urgently need substantial funding from public, philanthropic and multilateral sources.”

Rapid antigen tests are available for sale online, but they are the first to meet WHO specifications.

The Global Fund has committed an initial $ 50 million (€ 42.8 million) to allow countries to purchase these tests and the first orders are expected to be placed next week.