PAHO/WHO Belize donates 30,000 Nasopharyngeal Swabs to 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 Mr. 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 Mr. Sosa.

The donation of these swabs would complement recent donations from PAHO/WHO of an additional 2 Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) analyzers, 7 controls and 94,975 COVID-19 rapid antigen tests for decentralized testing. There are also more laboratory reagents and consumables that are expected to arrive in the country soon.

Senior Medical Technologist Mr. Juvencio Chan also commented: “I am grateful for the continued support and donations PAHO provides Central Medical Laboratory for the people of Belize in the fight against COVID-19."

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, including ensuring a sustained adequate supply of its laboratory resources. PAHO/WHO Belize, along with partners, maintains working with the ministry and the country to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

For further information, please contact Pete Castillo, PAHO/WHO IT/Communications at castillpet@paho.org or Zenena Moguel, PAHO/WHO Communications Consultant at moguelzen@paho.org or visit paho.org/en/belize.