Health Ministry, WHO to conduct epidemiological study

AMMAN — The Ministry of Health in collaboration with WHO country office is scheduled to conduct a seroepidemiological study to determine the demographic and epidemiological exposure and the extent of infection in the general population, according to a WHO statement.

The study also seeks to determine the fraction of asymptomatic infections related to COVID-19. Ten teams will participate in a one-month study comprising 60 healthcare workers trained to collect samples in the field.  Each team is consisted of an epidemiologist, public health inspector, laboratory technician and data collector, according to the statement. 

During field visits starting from July 14, a total of 4,469 blood samples are expected to be collected from the northern, central and southern regions.

Samples will be tested at the Health Ministry's central public laboratory. The study is part of the activities under the National COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan, supported by Kuwait, the statement said.