Mozambique: City of Beira to start Covid-19 testing

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Mozambique: City of Beira to start Covid-19 testing

3:16 CAT | 12 Jun 2020

Photo: Miramar

Installation of a Covid-19 testing laboratory is in Beira, Sofala, has been under way since last week. The work is being carried out by Ministry of Health as part of plans to decentralise testing to provinces.

The laboratory will have the capacity of around 200 tests per day, with results available in less than 48 hours.

National Director of Laboratories and Public Health, Sónia Viegas, who was overseeing the installation of the laboratory last Thursday, explained to the Secretary of State for Sofala how it will work.

A group of technicians from the Ministry of Health is also being trained in the use of the new laboratory’s equipment.

“This week, the same technicians are benefiting from practical training and next week they will be able to do tests. The testing capacity installed in the laboratory is 200 samples per day. The big benefit is the reduction in shipping time to Maputo. Our best guess is that results will be available in less than 48 hours,” Viegas explained.

The Santo-Egídio Dream laboratory, where the new equipment is being installed, was already testing for HIV/AIDS, but was found capable of being adapted to the new reality.

“As part of the partnership with the government, the Santo-Egídio Community provided facilities, but it should be noted that the National Health System is seeking to decentralise its capacity, an issue that may take a few months to become effective. This is the option settled upon, and it leaves us very satisfied, as we can now provide a better response to Covid-19,” Secretary of State for Sofala province Stela Zeca explained Stela Zeca.

By Francisco Raiva