The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is dispatching a first batch of equipment to more than 40 countries to enable them to use a nuclear-derived technique to rapidly detect the coronavirus that causes covid-19.
The emergency assistance is part of the IAEA’s response to requests for support from around 90 member states in controlling an increasing number of infections worldwide. Showing strong support for the initiative, several countries have announced major funding contributions for the IAEA’s efforts in helping to tackle the pandemic.
Dozens of laboratories in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean will receive diagnostic machines and kits, reagents, and laboratory consumables to speed up national testing, which is crucial in containing the outbreak. They will also receive biosafety supplies, such as personal protection equipment and laboratory cabinets for the safe analysis of collected samples. Further deliveries of equipment to the growing number of countries seeking assistance are expected in the coming weeks.
“IAEA staff are working hard to ensure that this critical equipment is delivered as quickly as possible where it is most needed,” says IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “Providing this assistance to countries is an absolute priority for the agency.”
Read more from IAEA.
