The challenge we were solving

During the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding exposure across the population was critical to shaping public health responses. Fast Track COVID addressed this need by developing a national screening strategy for SARS-CoV-2 exposure, based on highly sensitive serological testing and the efficient operation of reference laboratories.

The project provided scientific support for evidence-based public health and political decision-making, helping to optimize testing capacity, resource allocation, and population-wide access.

Project partners

Project goals

  1. Develop a national screening strategy for SARS-CoV-2 exposure using serological tests.
  2. Support the implementation of a nationwide serological screening network.
  3. Ensure efficient resource allocation, accessibility, and traceability across the population.
  4. Provide a data-driven foundation for public health and political decisions.

Our role

  • Contributed to research supporting the design of a national screening network.
  • Provided input, based on population data, on optimizing resource use and linking lab operations with public health policy needs.

Lead researcher at VOH

Ana Rita Londral, PhD

Executive Director

Project outcomes and impact

  • Developed a national serological screening strategy to guide public health responses during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 23,510 contact attempts, 3,652 completed questionnaires and 658 serological tests, to support real-world validation of the strategy.
  • Provided a foundation for evidence-based public health policies, contributing to more effective pandemic management.