The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), on Monday provided some laboratory equipments to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to assist in the fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country.Ms Makiko Okumura, Country Representative of JICA disclosed this in a statement issued by Mrs Damilola Douglas, Public Relations Officer of the agency in Abuja.Okumura said that the agency provided additional capacity development support to laboratories of the NCDC under the project for strengthening detection and response to public health threats in the country.She said that the effort was to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic currently ravaging the world.“This support is provided as part of Japan’s ongoing technical cooperation project to the NCDC.“Japan supports the centre through two different grant aid projects as well as the above mentioned technical cooperation project in order to strengthen the capacity of its targeted laboratory networks.“The capacity building focuses also on the field of emergency preparedness and response,” she said.She said that the items provided by the agency would enhance activities of the front line health professionals and rapid testing of any new infections in the country.
Okumura, however, said that JICA expressed its deepest condolences to those who have lost their lives due to COVID-19 and wishes all patients speed recovery.
