by Batista C, Hotez P, Ben Amor Y, Kim JH, Kaslow D, Lall B, Ergonul O, Figueroa JP, Gursel M, Hassanain M, Kang G, Larson H, Naniche D, Sheahan T, Wilder-Smith A, Shoham S, Sow SO, Yadav P, Strub-Wourgaft N, Loveday S-J, Hannay E, Bottazzi ME. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 43:101230. doi: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.101230
Summary: The authors of this commentary discuss the inequity around access to COVID-19 testing. Widespread testing and timely diagnosis are critical for control of SARS-CoV-2, as asymptomatic and presymptomatic individuals play a key role in spreading the virus. Further investment is needed to develop and scale-up access to diagnostics, especially in low- and middle-income countries, whose populations have been uniquely vulnerable yet invisible, with their undocumented infections not getting the requisite attention. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the chronically poor testing capacity in resource-limited settings and the need for improved national diagnostics strategies. It is critical that testing capabilities are increased to identify surges, assess vaccine effectiveness, promote innovative approaches including test and treat strategies, and to identify and monitor emerging variants.
