The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will provide diagnostic kits, equipment, and training in nuclear-derived detection techniques to countries asking for assistance in tackling the worldwide spread of the novel coronavirus causing COVID-19.
The assistance, requested by 14 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, is part of intensified global efforts to contain infections. The diagnostic technique, known as real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), can help detect and identify the novel coronavirus accurately within hours in humans as well as in animals.
“The agency takes pride in its ability to respond quickly to crises, as we did in the recent past with the Ebola, Zika and African swine fever viruses,” said Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi in a statement to the IAEA board of governors. “Contributing to international efforts to deal with the coronavirus will remain a priority for me as long as the outbreak persists.”
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