(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
will refurbish Tajikistan's only COVID-19 specific genomic
sequencing machine to test for COVID-19 variants, Trend reports with reference
to ASIA-Plus reported.
The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe says the genomic sequencing machine
will be rendered operable with USAID's donation of equipment,
supplies, and new training at the Ministry of Health and Social
Protection of the Population.
Following the delivery, USAID's Local Health System
Sustainability Activity reportedly began the training on genomic
sequencing of the COVID-19 virus variants for laboratory
specialists. World Health Organization (WHO) certified experts will
deliver training for six laboratory specialists from the Tajik
State Research Institute of Preventive Medicine, who will learn to
analyze, record, and report results. They will also learn how to
maintain the sequencer and other equipment. After the training, for
the first time in Tajikistan, the national laboratory system will
be capable of identifying and reporting COVID-19 variants, such as
Delta and Omicron. Accurate and timely identification of COVID-19
variants in circulation is critical to an effective COVID-19
response that includes vaccines and other measures employed by the
Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population.
“I am very proud of our collaboration with the Ministry of
Health and Social Protection of the Population that brings
fundamental, innovative change to Tajikistan's health system and
supports better COVID-19 testing, and a more effective COVID-19
response,” noted James Parys, USAID Acting Mission Director for
Tajikistan.
Funding for the genomic sequencing machine operability and
training for the national laboratory system staff is part of US$12
million in COVID-19 assistance USAID has delivered to Tajikistan
since the pandemic first emerged in March 2020.
U.S. support for Tajikistan's efforts to combat the COVID-19
pandemic strengthens the healthcare system; procures urgent
supplies for infection-prevention and control, including programs
to expand COVID-19 testing; keeps health workers safe with
protective equipment; increases oxygen supply; better equips
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) laboratories; improves disease
surveillance and clinical management; and fights misinformation. In
addition, in support of the national COVID-19 response, the U.S.
government has donated more than 2.6 million doses of Moderna and
Pfizer vaccines.
USAID is the world's premier international development agency
and a catalytic actor driving development results.
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