The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, Lagos, has commended the FATE Foundation for donating N20 million to support the institute in its efforts toward the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
Prof. Babatunde Salako, the Director-General of NIMR, in his twitter handle on Wednesday, said the fund was donated for the development of COVID-19 Isothermal PCR testing.
According to him, Isothermal PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing is a one-step nucleic acid amplification method used in the diagnosis of infectious diseases caused by bacteria or viruses.
Salako thanked Fola Alade @FATEFoundation and Fate Philanthropy Coalition for the COVID-19 support fund, saying it would go a long way in tackling the problem.
“For supporting to the tune of N20 million for the development of point of care COVID-19 isothermal PCR testing by NIMR, we appreciate a worthy Nigerian,” he said.
According to reports, the institute started a drive through testing of COVID-19 on March 30, in partnership with Lifebank, led by Temie Giwa-Tubosun.
Reports also have it that, the institute had on June 2, launched Teleconsultation guided Self-Swab test to expedite COVID-19 testing in partnership with MobiHealth International.
NIMR was established in 1977 to conduct research on diseases of public health importance in Nigeria.
