Approaches to Deployment of Molecular Testing for SARS-CoV-2 in Resource-Limited Settings

Deployment of molecular testing for SARS-CoV-2 in resource-limited settings is challenging. Scale-up of molecular had to be conducted with a laboratory system strengthening approach that emphasize laboratory integration. National reference laboratories play a central role. In Malawi the molecular testing was underpinned by existing pathogen control programs for human immunodeficiency virus and tuberculosis that use Abbott and GeneXpert machines and reagents. Despite this, the impact on these programs was well managed. Antigen testing increased access to testing. Pooled testing and direct-to-polymerase chain reaction methods have the potential to save costs and further increase access to molecular tests.