Health

Nigeria Now Has Capacity To Test For Coronavirus — NCDC Reveals

Nigeria Now Has Capacity To Test For Coronavirus — NCDC Reveals

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control says it has successfully validated the capacity to test for the novel coronavirus in Nigeria at its  National Reference Laboratory.

Disclosing this in Abuja, the Chief Executive Officer of the NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu said samples from patients that meet the national case definition for coronavirus can now be confirmed in-country.

“On the 1st of February, we validated our capacity to test for the novel coronavirus at the NCDC National Reference Laboratory, NRL. This means that we are now able to test samples from patients that meet the national case definition of the novel coronavirus here in Nigeria.”

Speaking on NTA News Now programme, Ihekweazu said the NCDC was unrelenting in efforts to protect Nigerians from the spread of infectious diseases.

“In strengthening our surveillance and preparedness for the novel coronavirus, we’ve put in place significant measures. We‘ve agreed to an initial national case definition to identify suspect cases. We‘ll review these criteria as additional information on nCoV2019 becomes available.”

He noted that the Port Health Services of the Federal Ministry of Health is on high alert and has heightened screening measures at various points of entry including temperature checks, combined with investigative questions on known symptoms.

“We have also initiated a multi-sectoral Coronavirus Preparedness Group. Led by the NCDC. This group meets daily to assess the risk of importation of the disease to Nigeria.

Tags: healthNCDC

Recent Posts

BREAKING: NYSC Summons Corps Member Over Viral TikTok Video Criticizing Tinubu

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has summoned Ushie Rita Uguamaye, a corps member serving in Lagos State, following her… Read More

7 hours ago

Annie Idibia Reportedly Walks Out Of Rehab Amid Marriage Crisis With 2Baba

Nigerian actress Annie Idibia has reportedly left the rehabilitation center where she had sought refuge following the devastating collapse of… Read More

7 hours ago

“Asake my son has sorted my hospital bills and promised to buy me a house in Lagos Island” – Mr Odunsi, Confirms Reconciliation

Mr. Fatai Odunsi, father of popular Nigerian singer Asake, has revealed that the artist has promised to settle his hospital… Read More

7 hours ago

“I Supported Him Through School, spent all my money on him Only for Him to Leave Me” – Asake’s Babymama, Adijat Ajoke

Adijat Ajoke, the woman claiming to have an 11-year-old daughter, Zeenat, for Nigerian singer Ahmed Ololade, aka Asake, has finally… Read More

7 hours ago

Nigerian Medical Scientist Heartbroken as Fiancé Calls Off Wedding Over sudden ‘Genotype Change’

A Nigerian medical laboratory scientist, identified as Peace, has been left devastated after her fiancé abruptly canceled their wedding just… Read More

9 hours ago

“So, He Has a Wife and Children” – Beautiful Pictures of Actor Uzor Arukwe Family Surface Online

Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe has been making waves with his standout performance in Omoni Oboli’s romantic drama, Love in Every… Read More

19 hours ago

This website uses cookies.