Introduction
As countries look towards a “post-COVID” age, both PCR and ATK tests can play important roles in social and economic reopening strategies. The most effective use of PCR and ATK tests to control COVID-19 transmission requires careful consideration of context – test availability, purpose of test (e.g., screening, diagnosing), COVID-19 situation, among others.
Public health officials from Thailand sought to gain knowledge from Singapore’s experience using ATKs. Both Thailand and Singapore are looking to re-open their economies and are using ATK as a tool to control outbreaks. On September 14, 2021, a webinar was hosted by the Thai Ministry of Public Health, with the support of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), the Access and Delivery Partnership (ADP), Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI) along with the National Health Foundation (NHF) and the Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program (HITAP) to learn from experts at the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health National University of Singapore (SSHSPH NUS) about their experience in Singapore. Participants were invited from various institutions working on public health in Thailand.
This report was prepared by Ms. Madison Silzle with inputs from Ms. Saudamini Dabak, Ms. Chayapat Rachatan, and Ms. Aparna Ananthakrishnan from the Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program (HITAP). Dian Faradiba and Ms. Pitchawee Aksonchuen from HITAP helped organise the webinar along with colleagues from the Thai Ministry of Public Health.