COVID-19: We Need More Test Kits Desperately – NCDC

“Product: Total viral RNA extraction kits (preferably spin column and with a lysis buffer). Manufacturers: Qiagen, Thermo Fischer, SeeGene, Inqaba, LifeRiver etc.”

The NCDC has done 10,413 tests as of April 24, with about 600 tested daily.

Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) President, Dr Francis Faduyile, said if Ghana could test over 50,000 and South Africa has tested over 100,000, Nigeria ought to scale up its testing.

He told The Nation: “We have said there is a need for us to have some rapid screening kits. NMA has suggested that our pathologists should validate some of these rapid testing kits.

“Once it is validated, it should be easier for us to do tests in a much more rapid period and we can test a large number of people in a very short period.”

Read Also: COVID-19: NCDC DG Visits Facilities In Imo, Calls For More Tests

Anaedoonline.com reported that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has issued preventive measures to be taken by pregnant and breastfeeding women in the country to avoid contracting the Coronavirus.

NCDC Director-General, Chikwe Ihekweazu, said it was important for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to take the precautions even though it was not readily known if pregnant women were more at risk of coronavirus than others.

Ihekweazu listed the measures to include diligent hand-washing, avoiding close contact with people exhibiting symptoms of infection and covering sneezes and coughs.