Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
The Korean Government, through its aid agency, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in Nigeria, has donated to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) three smart walk-through booth systems for the COVID-19 test sample collection to further enhance national and sub-national efforts in the fight against COVID-19.
In collaboration with the NCDC, the booths are expected to be deployed to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja, and the Central Public Health Laboratory and the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research in Lagos.
During the donation ceremony, the Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Maj. Gen. Lee In-tae (rtd), in his remark, disclosed that the booths are expected to provide medical personnel with effective protection during test sample collection, support mass screening for COVID-19 in a timely and efficient manner, and reduce the usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) during test sample collection.
He added that some key features of the booths include High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, high efficiency bi-directional fan module, air conditioning and heating system to make the environment conducive for medical personnel to collect test sample, Intercom system and LED control panel.
Also, he informed attendees that 15 staff members of the NCDC had earlier benefited from the virtual KOICA Fellowship Training Programme (CIAT) on capacity building of ‘Healthcare Professionals on Infectious Diseases’ using COVID-19 test kits.
While appreciating the Korean Government, the NCDC Director-General, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, expressed his appreciation for the support provided by the Government of the Republic of Korea, noting that the booths donated will further boost Nigeria’s sample COVID-19 test sample collection capabilities.
He added that two of the booths would be located in Lagos while the other one would be in Abuja.
