COVID-19 Testing Crisis Management Through a Public-Private Partnership in Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

The outcomes of the public-private partnership between the Government of Sindh and a private organization include improving access to free of cost, scaling-up access to high-quality coronavirus disease (COVID-19) testing with rapid turnaround times in many underserved areas of Sindh, establishing and improving testing systems, and creating a mechanism of coordination and communication.n Implementation strategies of such a partnership involve having distinct and complementary roles by both parties, effectively using existing resources, taking concrete steps to improve efficiencies, establishing risk mitigation strategies, introducing measures of quality and safety within testing processes, enabling rapid coordination and communication, as well as ensuring the commitment of the management and staff to handle the crises.

The rise of diarrheal illnesses in the children of Pakistan amidst COVID‐19: A narrative review

“…72 However, an inadequate testing capacity along with a surge in COVID‐19 cases daily will prove arduous in the correct diagnosis and treatment of patients, especially children, presenting with diarrhea. 29 , 73 …”

“…Therefore, it is recommended to test for COVID‐19 in patients that are presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms 72 . However, an inadequate testing capacity along with a surge in COVID‐19 cases daily will prove arduous in the correct diagnosis and treatment of patients, especially children, presenting with diarrhea 29,73 …”

“…72 However, an inadequate testing capacity along with a surge in COVID-19 cases daily will prove arduous in the correct diagnosis and treatment of patients, especially children, presenting with diarrhea. 29,73 In the past few years however, the prevalence of diarrhea has changed very little across Pakistan and management of the disease has brought a significant amount of reduction in childhood mortality.…”