Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has said that testing remains a core strategy of the country’s response to Covid-19 pandemic.
Ihekweazu spoke on receiving the 115,800 test kits provided by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) towards containing the Covid-19 pandemic. The kits was funded by IHS.
He acknowledged the great importance of the received test kits, especiallu at this crucial period; saying testing remains the mainstay of the response led by the Presidential Task Force and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the first step towards diagnosing the infection.
He said, “Testing remains a core strategy of Nigeria’s response to COVID-19. This is critical for understanding the burden of the disease on our population and targeting our response activities accordingly. The primary goal of the Nigerian Government is to control the spread of this disease. This donation from IHS Nigeria through UNICEF will contribute to the national stockpile of test kits managed by NCDC, and support efforts of the growing network of accredited laboratories across the country for the testing of COVID-19.”
He expressed the country’s gratitude for the continued support from UNICEF, IHS Towers and other partners.
UNICEF Country Representative, Peter Hawkins said IHS has shown great generosity in supporting government’s agenda through partnering with UNICEF.
UNICEF, he said is delighted to receive this huge contribution from IHS Towers, the benefit of which will reach many more children and their families.
“We understand this virus is here to stay for the foreseeable future, but are confident that with our support, and that of our other private sector colleagues, we are helping to manage and mitigate the impact of the virus in our country” said Mohamad Darwish, Chief Executive Officer of IHS Nigeria.
