How is the Ministry of Health monitoring for COVID-19 in Vanuatu?
During an outbreak where a disease is being spread in the community, the Ministry of Health will conduct disease surveillance. Disease surveillance is the continuous, systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of health-related data. It is used to detect, confirm, and manage cases of COVID-19.
What are some of activities undertaken as part of disease surveillance?
If someone is interviewed or tested it does not necessarily mean they have COVID-19. A laboratory test is required to confirm a COVID-19 case.
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How is Testing for COVID-19 conducted in Vanuatu?
The most accurate way to diagnose COVID-19 is a laboratory test that is done on a sample collected by swabbing the back of the nose and throat of a patient suspected of having COVID-19.
Why do we not use Rapid Testing?
Other types of COVID-19 tests that are being discussed in the media include tests that can be conducted outside of the laboratory. Antigen and antibody tests are two examples. These tests are not very accurate or reliable for the detection of COVID-19.
In line with recommendations from the World Health Organisation, the Vanuatu Ministry of Health will not support using rapid point-of-care antigen or antibody tests to diagnose COVID-19 in Vanuatu. Only validated tests will be used.
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Where can I get more information?