STATEMENT: COVID-19 - Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD)

The Council for Human
and Social Development (Health) on Monday 6th April 2020 held its
Fourth Special Emergency Meeting via video conference.  

During this meeting, representatives from regional
institutions provided updates to the Ministers and Officials in relation to the
coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) stated that they have experienced delays in receiving reagents for COVID-19 tests.

The CARPHA Medical Microbiology Laboratory (CMML) currently conducts
tests for suspected COVID-19 cases for several CARICOM Member States.

The Agency, in its report to the Meeting, informed that the
CMML, like all laboratories world-wide, was being impacted by global shortage
of test kits for the COVID-19 tests  as
well as re-agents (chemicals used in testing) and protection equipment, which could
have an impact on its operations if they are not received within the next 2
weeks.  CARPHA assured the Caribbean
Community (CARICOM) Health Ministers that along with the Pan American Health
Organization (PAHO), it was working to address the procurement of the necessary
materials and equipment to avert any shortages as a result of the delay and
cancellation of orders made repeatedly since January.

The Agency also assured Ministers
that it is ensuring enough manpower to conduct tests for COVID-19. CARPHA said
it was currently working on a shift system to deliver timely results and this
had been aptly demonstrated by a turnaround time of less than 24 hours.

CARPHA Medical Microbiology Laboratory currently tests cases of COVID-19 according to the protocols and definitions recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

CARPHA continues to work closely
with Member States to respond in the most efficient manner to meet their needs
as the Region combats this global pandemic.