COVID-19: IAEA to assist in worldwide virus detection efforts

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will provide diagnostic kits, equipment and training to countries that need help tackling the worldwide spread of COVID-19.

Fourteen countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean have asked for assistance so far.

The nuclear-based detection technique can help diagnose coronavirus accurately within hours in humans, as well as in animals that may also host it.

The first training course will take place in Austria in two weeks’ time and for international medical and veterinary experts from Cambodia, Republic of Congo, Cote d´Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.

Additional regional courses will be organised for other countries, including from Latin America and the Caribbean.