Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) has announced plans to install GeneXpert machines in four more regions as part of efforts to increase the COVID-19 testing capacity of the Maldives.
Speaking at the daily press briefing, Spokesperson of HEOC Fathimath Nazla Rafeeq said efforts are underway to increase the testing capacity of different zones based on the current COVID-19 situation of each zone. Dr. Nazla said the testing capacity of the atolls will be increased by installing 4 additional GeneXpert machines brought under the assistance of World Health Organisation (WHO). She revealed the machines will be installed in Funadhoo in Shaviyani Atoll, Naifaru in Lhaviyani Atoll, Villingili in Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Fuvahmulah City.
The spokesperson revealed the additional machines are being installed to meet the target testing capacity for different zones. In this regard, she noted the testing capacity of the northern zone, which includes the atolls Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, and Shaviyani, will be increased from 60 tests per day to 200 tests per day.
Speaking further, Dr. Nazla said active surveillance of the Greater Male’ Region will be increased based on the developing COVID-19 situation in the capital. She said HEOC is currently working on revising the active surveillance guideline to increase surveillance categories and coverage. She added the active surveillance of atolls will also be increased under the new guidelines, which will be published within the next 2-3 days.
Currently, the testing capacity of the zone which includes the atolls Noonu, Raa, Baa and Lhaviyani is 80 tests per day. The zone which includes Greater Male’ Region and the atolls Alifu Alifu, Alifu Dhaalu and Vaavu currently has a testing capacity of 1000 – 1300 tests per day, while the zone with the atolls Faafu, Dhaalu, Thaa and Laamu has a capacity of 40 tests per day. Testing capacity of the zone with the atolls Gaafu Alifu and Gaafu Dhaalu is 40 tests per day, while Fuvahmulah City and Addu City both have a testing capacity of 60 tests per day.
In addition to the Greater Male’ Region, PCR testing is currently available at Kulhudhuffushi City, Addu City and Maafaru, Noonu Atoll. Meanwhile, GeneXpert testing is available in Eydhafushi, Ungoofaaru, Thinadhoo and Gan. HEOC states the Maldives currently has 45,000 PCR test kits and 11,000 GeneXpert cartridges in stock for COVID-19 testing.