ISLAMABAD: Pakistan today (Monday) received a donation comprising one million COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Test (Ag-RDT) kits from the United States, under its Agency for International Development (USAID), to help efficient diagnosis of Covid-19.
The donation was formally received by Special Assistant to Prime Minister Dr Faisal Sultan in a ceremony in Islamabad. In his remarks, he said, “The gesture by the US is a reflection of warm relations between the two countries.”
On the occasion, USAID Mission Director Julie Koenen said that the donated Ag-RDT kits would serve Pakistan’s needs of quick surveillance and diagnosis, as well as limiting the spread of coronavirus to the lowest possible level within the country.
“This donation delivers on President Joe Biden’s promise to stand with the people of Pakistan in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic,” she added.
The US mobilised aircraft carrying the Ag-RDT kits has been sent to Pakistan for helping the country with the urgent diagnosis of the contagion as the country continues to battle the dangerous surge in cases.
These new rapid diagnostic tests detect infection in minutes and greatly enhance real-time monitoring, enabling health officials to quickly identify hotspots of infection.
Having access to quick and accurate testing will allow Pakistan’s National Command Operation Centre (NCOC) and the federal health ministry to further mitigate the spread of Covid-19, especially in remote locations and at border crossings.
Pakistan has so far received the aid of over $40 million, including medical and technical equipment on account of COVID-19 response assistance since the pandemic hit the country.
