GenExpert Machines for Central Health Region

Today at the Central Health Region compound in Belize City, the lab received a donation of two GenExpert machines, capable of testing for COVID, tuberculosis and a variety of other diseases in a quick turnaround time.  Doctor Noreen Jack, PAHO’s representative in Belize, presented the two machines to Minister of Health Michel Chebat and Head of the Belize Lab Services, Central Health Region this afternoon.

Gerhaldine Morazan

Dr. Gerhaldine Morazan, Director, Lab Services, Central Health Region

“This support is very much welcome at the Central Medical Lab and the Ministry of Health and Wellness as this is automated rapid diagnostic technology that will help the health system to meet the demands of very high volumes of tests, especially during this pandemia. The donation of this (inaudible) offer a broad-test menu. As you can see, there are sixteen tests that will be run in one. This will enhance the National Laboratory network diagnosis capacity and early detection of large variety of diseases, allowing at the same time the expansion of the molecular testing for SARSCOV or COVID as well as other infections such as TB, HIV, the (inaudible), all sexually-transmitted diseases, just to name a few.”

Noreen Jack

Dr. Noreen Jack, PAHO/WHO Rep, Belize
“This is a significant and essential investment in strengthening the country’s laboratory capacity to timely detect and respond to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases like COVID. Within the context of what we call the International health regulations.”

Michel Chebat

Michel Chebat, Minister of Health & Wellness

“As we continue to grapple with the transmission of the COVID-19 variant, testing becomes even more crucial. These GenExpert machines will allow for laboratory personnel to receive results in a timely manner and will allow for early isolation of COVID-19 cases, and will also allow us to stem the transmission of this deadly virus. These GenExpert machines will also allow us to decentralize molecular testing at regional hospitals and will make a difference in the timely delivery of SARSCOVID2 testing results.”

The machines are worth in excess of U.S. eighty thousand dollars.