Nigeria receives 3 ‘smart walk-through booths’ for coronavirus test

File photo: Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu

Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has stated that the centre has received three "smart walk-through booths” for Coronavirus sample collection

According to Ihekweazu, the booths were donated by the Government of the Republic of Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

"Sample collections will done safely and easily in the country.

"This donation reflects the understanding that the fight against COVID-19, really requires joint effort.

"The booths are designed in a way that when people need samples collected, you don’t have to dress in your full Personal protective equipment (PPE), this is a model that will make simple collection more easier and health workers protected," he said.

Ihekweazu added that the booth would enhance the fights of COVID-19 in the country and promised to ensure it was properly used as required.

He said the booths would be put into effective use at the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja, the Central Public Health Laboratory and Nigerian Institute of Medical Research in Lagos.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Health, Sen. Olorunimbe Mamora said that Nigeria needs collaboration in this period of COVID-19 pandemic.

Mamora appreciated the government of Korea and advised the NCDC to ensure proper use of the booth.

Also speaking, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Maj.-Gen. Lee In-tae who was represented by Mr Woochan Chang, KOICA Country Director said that the donation marked another milestone in the bilateral relations that was established since 1980.

Lee said that the booths are expected to provide medical staff with effective protection during test sample collection, support mass screening for COVID-19 in a timely and efficient manner and reduce the usage of PPE.

He said some key features of the booths include: Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter, and high efficiency bi-directional fan module conductive for medical staff to collect test sample.

He advised the NCDC to ensure efficiency and good maintenance of the booths