The NVI supports testing COVID-19 in Ethiopia

With the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis worldwide, veterinary laboratories in many parts of the world have been taking part in the diagnosis of COVID-19 using the technical expertise and the diagnostic facilities they have through one-health coordinated approaches. The National Veterinary Institute (NVI) of Ethiopia is supporting the public health services by testing human samples for the confirmation of SARS-CoV-2. The public health professionals collect the samples, and the detection of the virus using real-time RT-PCR method is conducted by well-trained experienced staff at NVI. Testing is performed daily, including weekend days, and the staff involved in testing are hosted at the institute guest house facilities. The Government of Ethiopia has launched the Community-Based Activity and Testing (ComBAT) Campaign, where a massive number of human samples are being tested from the community to assess the level of infection, and NVI is fully taking part in this campaign. The NVI sincerely acknowledged the Animal Production and Health Laboratory (APHL) of the Joint FAO/IAEA Division for the significant support and for supplying the CFX96 Touch™ RT-PCR Detection System in 2013, now used for COVID-19 testing at NVI. NVI is highly interested in contributing to the global efforts targeting the development of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine.

“Serving the Nation, and beyond”

COVID-19 testing team at NVI, Ethiopia (24 AUGUST 2020)