NCDC DG: We are desperately looking for more kits as we expand COVID-19 test

Chikwe Ihekweazu, director-general of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), says there is a desperate need for more ribonucleic acid (RNA) kits for COVID-19 test. 

RNA is a critical component to identify and test for the presence of a virus. The kits are used for extractions.

In a tweet on Sunday, Ihekweazu gave specification of the products needed. 

“We’re desperately looking for more RNA extraction kits as we expand #COVID19 testing. Product: Total viral RNA extraction kits (preferably spin column and with a lysis buffer). Manufacturers: Qiagen, ThermoFischer, SeeGene, Inqaba, LifeRiver etc,” he tweeted.

TheCable had reported how Nigeria lagged behind other African countries in conducting test but in the past weeks, however, the number of tests have increased. 

As of Saturday, Nigeria had conducted 10,918 tests out of which 1,182 have been confirmed positive.

Last week while responding to a question on the low number of tests in the conducted in the country, Ihekweazu had said: “We have a very good strategy around testing. Yes, the numbers are always being thrown at us, Ghana, South Africa, but we are not playing a numbers game.

“I think there would be a change in the numbers. But to be honest, we are not playing a number game with testing. We have a strategy and we will stick to that strategy and make sure we deliberately increase the number of tests while testing the right people at the right time.”