@article{19d6188848d04f10a953d295b300952d,
title = "Molecular diagnosis for the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2: Lessons learnt from the Ghana experience",
abstract = "Background: A novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 is currently causing a worldwide pandemic. The first cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection were recorded in Ghana on March 12, 2020. Since then, the country has been combatting countrywide community spread. This report describes how the Virology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) is supporting the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to diagnose infections with this virus in Ghana. Methods: The National Influenza Centre (NIC) in the Virology Department of the NMIMR, adopted real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) assays for the diagnosis of the SARS-CoV-2 in January 2020. Samples from suspected cases and contact tracing across Ghana were received and processed for SARS-CoV-2. Samples were 'pooled' to enable simultaneous batch testing of samples without reduced sensitivity. Outcomes: From February 3 to August 21, the NMIMR processed 283 946 (10%) samples. Highest number of cases were reported in June when the GHS embarked on targeted contact tracing which led to an increase in number of samples processed daily, peaking at over 7,000 samples daily. There were several issues to overcome including rapid consumption of reagents and consumables. Testing however continued successfully due to revised procedures, additional equipment and improved pipeline of laboratory supplies. Test results are now provided within 24 to 48 hours of sample submission enabling more effective response and containment. Conclusion: Following the identification of the first cases of SARS-CoV-2infection by the NMIMR, the Institute has trained other centres and supported the ramping up of molecular testing capacity in Ghana. This provides a blueprint to enable Ghana to mitigate further epidemics and pandemics.",
keywords = "Ghana, Molecular diagnosis, SARS-CoV-2, “pooling”",
author = "Asante, {Ivy A.} and Mildred Adusei-Poku and Bonney, {Humphrey K.} and Bonney, {Evelyn Y.} and Odoom, {John K.} and Evangeline Obodai and James Aboagye and Kotey, {Erasmus N.} and Stephen Nyarko and Linda Boatemaa and Vanessa Magnusen and Helena Lamptey and Kyei, {George B.} and Ampofo, {William K.}",
note = "Funding Information: Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, molecular diagnosis, “pooling”, Ghana Funding: The laboratory work was supported with materials from the Ghana Health Service Ministry of Health, the US Naval Medical Research Unit #3, the World Health Organization, the Jack Ma Foundation and the University of Ghana Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. Other research projects hosted by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research contributed reagents and laboratory consumables. The funders had no role in the preparation of this manuscript. Funding Information: The NMIMR is currently the largest SARS-CoV-2 testing centre in Ghana. This has been due to the presence of well-established strong collaboration with the GHS/Ministry of Health, the WHO, and the strong internal networks in the Institute. The institute has been well supported by its partners as well as the Government of Ghana. The availability of the new Advanced Research Laboratory center recently provided by the Government of Japan provided critical infrastructure and equipment to handle the large volume of testing. The Institute is currently strengthening all elements of its quality management system to enhance the services it provides to the nation. Testing for SARS-CoV-2 in Ghana at the NMIMR, University of Ghana, has been largely successful despite the hcallenges. Funding Information: The laboratory work was supported with materials from the Ghana Health Service Ministry of Health, the US Naval Medical Research Unit #3, the World Health Organization, the Jack Ma Foundation and the University of Ghana Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. Other research projects hosted by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research contributed reagents and laboratory consumables. The funders had no role in the preparation of this manuscript. The authors acknowledge their partners namely, the Ghana Health Service, the Ministries of Health and Finance of Ghana, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, the Africa Centre for Disease Control, The Jack Ma Foundation, The World Health Organization, the US Naval Medical Research Unit #3, Ghana detachment, The Government of Ghana, the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and the University of Ghana. The Jack Ma Foundation donated several reagents and personal protective equipment to support the NMIMR. Support from Dr. Vincent Munster from the National Institute of Health (NIH) Rocky Mountains USA, as well as the West Africa Health Organization (WAHO) are also acknowledged. The authors are also grateful to various banks and corporate bodies in Ghana including Mining companies who gave support in the form of reagents and consumables. The National Laboratory Network for COVID-19 testing is also acknowledged. The authors also recognize the immense support received from staff members of the NMIMR, WACCBIP, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana School of Allied Health Sciences who volunteered and devoted several all-night sessions testing for COVID-19. The University of Ghana was very supportive. A student hostel was made available, for staff of the institute involved in COVID-19 testing to reduce travel time to the institute. Support from members of the Biomedical Scientists Association of Ghana and all other personnel from various laboratories that helped with testing is duly acknowledged. NMIMR COVID-19 laboratory team: Yaw Bediako, Dennis Kushitor, Keren Atiku, Deborah Pratt, Yusssif Bagaya, Comfort Nuamah Antwi, Ewurabena Duker, Anthony Twumasi Boateng, Dinah Asandem, Christopher Zab-Yen Abana, Yvonne Ashong, Jefferson-Mark Boyetey, Gifty Mawuli, Augustina Arjarquah, Richard A. Obeng, Theodore W. Asigbee, Esinam Agbosu and Darius N. K. Quansah Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2020 Ghana Medical Association. All right reserved.",
year = "2020",
month = dec,
day = "31",
doi = "10.4314/GMJ.V54I4S.12",
language = "English",
volume = "54",
pages = "77--85",
journal = "Ghana Medical Journal",
issn = "0016-9560",
number = "4",
}