USJ proposal selected as one of the five to receive WHO grants awarded for Antigen detection rapid diagnostic tests for COVID-19

The WHO designed a protocol for monitored implementation of SARS-CoV-2 Ag-RDT and called for proposals in December 2020. Allergy Immunology and Cell Biology Unit (AICBU) of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ) under the leadership of Dr Chandima Jeewandara and Prof Neelika Malavige submitted an application with the partnership of the Ministry of Health as a collaborator.

After a competitive application process AICBU secured funding for the Sri Lankan protocol. AICBU secured funding for this proposal and became a one of the five countries selected by WHO under this scheme.

WHO will fund maximum of USD199,999 and additionally will provide up to 200,000 WHO EUL approved Ag-RDTs for Sri Lanka. The proposed conditions and settings for Ag-RDT use are aligned with WHO interim guidance on the use of antigen detection for COVID-19 using rapid immunoassays.

Data collected using this protocol will be crucial for optimising the delivery and use of Ag-RDTs and maximizing public health impact in programmatic settings. (Courtesy Sri Jayewadenepura University - https://www.sjp.ac.lk)