WASHINGTON- A global initiative has allowed for rapid tests that gives results in just 15-20 minutes to be rolled out internationally, possibly saving lives and slowing the pandemic in rich and poor countries. Richer countries will be able to get their hands on this type of test after the original stock is given to the lower income countries. One version of the test already has approval from the World Health Organization and the other will receive approval soon.

These tests allow for mass screening for health workers in low income countries who are dying at disproportionate rates. The Gate Foundation are making 20% of the tests guaranteed for low-income countries and 80% will be given to the rest of the world. Germany, France and Switzerland have already ordered upwards of 20 million tests.

CEO of Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Catharina Boehme said they put in bulk orders of the test so that low income countries would not be turned away for these rapid tests as they did when CR tests came out.

Antigen tests are 97% accurate in optimal conditions. FIND says the accuracy is closer to 80%-90% in real world conditions.

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