COVID-19 testing begins at UHAS laboratory

A laboratory at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) at Sokode in the Volta Region has begun testing samples for COVID-19 in an effort to improve case management of the novel coronavirus.

The new testing centre, the first for the region, is a joint initiative of the university, the Regional Health Directorate and the Ho Teaching Hospital.

It forms part of the country’s objective of enhanced testing.

With an initial testing capacity of 60 samples a day, the UHAS laboratory will serve the Volta, Oti and parts of the Eastern Region.

Good addition

The Deputy Regional Director of Health, Dr Senanu Dzokoto, in an interview with the Daily Graphic, said: "The state-of-the-art testing facility is comparable to a very good laboratory anywhere in the country and a good addition to case management in the Volta Region".

Already, training and simulation exercises have been conducted for the laboratory’s personnel, and logistics, including reagents delivered to the new laboratory, were certified by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.

Reducing waiting period

Dr Dzokoto said the feat chalked up by the university would significantly reduce pressure at Noguchi in Accra.

The Volta Region has so far recorded 10 cases while Oti has recorded 17.

About 500 contacts in the region have so far been traced with enhanced screening expected to be conducted for individuals who interact daily with travellers, including drivers and security personnel.

Nose masks

Dr Dzokoto stressed the importance of adhering to directives on the usage of nose masks in order to reduce possible infections.

He also implored the media to step up its advocacy and public education roles on the disease.