FG moves to tackle tropical diseases with rapid diagnostic kits

The Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation is set to commence the production and distribution of rapid diagnostic kits to tackle tropical and other diseases like COVID-19and Ebola.

To this end, the ministry has reached an agreement with Clinotech Laboratory Limited on the production and distribution of the items.

The agreement was signed, yesterday, between the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Nigerian Institute of Laboratory Science Technology (NILST) and CLINOTECH Laboratory Ltd.

Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mohamed Abdullahi, said the agreement was signed at a delicate time, especially when the global community was strengthening health care facilities and delivery.

He pledged the support of the ministry to the agreement, saying it holds mutual benefits to all parties.

NILST Director General, Dr. Yemi Gbadegesin, said the institute would have the ability to develop reagents indigenously through the agreement.

Speaking earlier, on behalf of Clinotech, Dr. Harrison Ofiyai said the agreement would boost Nigeria’s capability to develop the kits, thereby improving the technical know-how of its professionals.