The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is dispatching equipment to more than 40 countries to enable them to use a nuclear-derived technique to rapidly detect the coronavirus. This emergency assistance is part of the IAEA’s response to requests for support from its 90 Member States.
Dozens of laboratories in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean are receiving diagnostic machines and kits, reagents and laboratory consumables to speed up national testing.
“IAEA staff are working hard to ensure that this critical equipment is delivered as quickly as possible where it is most needed,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “Providing this assistance to countries is an absolute priority for the Agency.”
The IAEA assists its Member States in using nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes. The IAEA is now also part of the UN Crisis Management Team on COVID-19.
In recent weeks, the IAEA, in collaboration with the FAO, has provided guidance on coronavirus detection to 124 laboratory professionals in 46 Member States.
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