The Federal Government has announced the indigenous development and validation of RNA-Swift in Nigeria.
RNA-Swift is a test kit used for the identification of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent for COVID-19.
According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, the development of the test kit was aimed at speeding up effective testing of Nigerians during the pandemic.
The Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu, talking to reporters in Abuja said;
“The RNA-Swift has amazing precision for the detection of SARS-COV-2 and will be commercially available at a price that places it ahead of competitors in terms of sensitivity and affordability.”
“I want to confirm to you that the RNA-Swift product team is in consultation with the African Development Bank for the funding of an African-wide testing programme for COVID-19 and the establishment for RNA-Swift production in Nigeria,” he stated.