How this genomics research company is helping Nigeria tackle COVID-19 pandemic

In a bid to increase Nigeria's daily testing capacity for COVID-19, genomics research company 54Gene has launched a testing support fund. The fund was unveiled with a generous donation of $150,000 from 54Gene, further supplemented by an additional $350,000 contribution from Union Bank. The CEO of 54Gene, Abasi Ene-Obong, emphasized the critical need to ramp up testing in Nigeria to effectively combat the spread of the virus. Ene-Obong identified the current testing capacity in Nigeria as a major bottleneck, with only 200 tests being conducted daily. This limited capacity falls short in the face of the escalating pandemic threat. The CEO highlighted the necessity of molecular medicine techniques, specifically PCR machines, for detecting the virus. However, Nigeria faces a shortage of both PCR machines and trained personnel, reflecting years of underfunding in the healthcare and educational sectors. To address these challenges, 54Gene aims to support public laboratories across the country, initially targeting an increase in daily testing to 1000 and eventually scaling up to 5000 tests per day. The company plans to deploy funds in purchasing essential instruments like 'lab in a box' units, biosafety cabinets, and personal protective equipment to bolster testing capabilities swiftly. Ene-Obong stressed the crucial role of testing in identifying and isolating infected individuals to curb the disease's spread. He underscored the importance of ensuring that healthcare workers conducting tests are adequately protected to prevent transmission. 54Gene's initiative aligns with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to streamline resources and training efforts to enhance testing infrastructure and capacity. While ventilators are essential medical equipment, Ene-Obong emphasized that prioritizing testing instruments is paramount. Without accurate diagnosis through testing, determining the need for ventilators becomes challenging. The CEO highlighted the need for a systematic approach focusing on testing to prevent overwhelming the healthcare system. Looking ahead, Ene-Obong acknowledged the potential utility of at-home testing for individuals with mild or moderate symptoms. He cited delays in testing as a contributing factor to the surge in cases seen in other countries like the US. Timely and widespread testing can empower individuals to make informed decisions, protect vulnerable family members, and facilitate early interventions. In conclusion, 54Gene's COVID-19 testing support fund represents a critical step in bolstering Nigeria's testing capacity and strengthening the country's response to the pandemic. By prioritizing testing infrastructure, training, and protective measures, the initiative aims to mitigate the spread of the virus and ensure early detection and containment.