1 March 2021: 
Public health laboratory capacities for COVID-19 detection increased in the Republic of Moldova 
 
WHO has completed the training of trainers on the use of Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Test (Ag-RDT) for COVID-19 and on the management of public health laboratories in the Republic of Moldova. 20 professionals from national and regional laboratories learnt to collect samples and perform testing at clinical facilities using Ag-RDT. 
Trainings were conducted at the National Influenza Centre (NIC) within the National Public Health Agency and the Laboratory of the Regional Public Health Centre in Soroca. “It is important to bring the testing procedures closer to the population. In order to improve the national testing capacities, our laboratory will amplify the volume of COVID-19 testing in the near future,” stated Dr Liliana Tofan, the head of the Soroca Laboratory. 
WHO recommends using Ag-RDT as a part of an overall testing strategy, as they can play an important complementary function to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Antigen tests work best in settings with high number of COVID-19 cases, and for people with symptoms of COVID-19. Ag-RDT help reduce further transmission of the virus through early detection of highly infectious cases, enabling a rapid start of contact tracing. 
The national testing strategy for COVID-19 is being developed with the support of WHO/Europe and WHE Balkan Hub. The document allows diversification of investigation methods and increases access to testing (including Ag-RDT) for people suspected of having COVID-19. The strategy will be soon approved by the national authorities. 
The mission on enhancing laboratories’ capacities was organized by the WHO Balkan Health Emergencies Hub and the WHO Country Office in the Republic of Moldova with support from WHO/Europe’s laboratory team, following a request from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Protection. WHO will continue providing assistance to the Republic of Moldova to strengthen the national laboratory system, enhance public health networking and laboratory quality management system, as well as  improve laboratory readiness, surveillance and response in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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