World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended the use of COVID-19 self-testing kits as Malawi Liverpool Wellcome (MLW)’s study proves them feasible for Malawi.

MLW conducted research for 9 months to evaluate the feasibility of COVID-19 self-testing kits in both rural and urban areas in the country.

According to MLW epidemiologist, who is also the study lead Dr. Augustine Choko, the research is the first of its kind in low and middle-income countries.

“The results of this study show that 82% and 90% of participants were able to self-test for COVID-19 with no supervision following a brief demonstration using Standard Q and PanBio test kits, respectively,” explained Choko.

Choko labeled the study as very influential because it has informed the formulation of WHO interim guidelines for COVID-19 released on 9 March 2022.

He said the study conducted with support from the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) and partners from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) will help the Ministry of Health to look at COVID-19 self-testing as an option to increase and expand testing for the Malawian population.

Speaking to Malawi Institute Journalism (MIJ) radio, Malawi Health Equity Network leader George Jobe praised the MLW team for such a study. He said the study will hugely contribute to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.