Andina

Peru receives 63,360 PCR reagents for COVID-19 from Germany

Photo: ANDINA/Diffusion

Photo: ANDINA/Diffusion

16:34 | Lima, Feb. 27.

The Peruvian Health Ministry received a donation consisting of 63,360 PCR reagents (worth €186,867) from Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) to continue fighting against COVID-19, it was reported on Saturday.

The tests will be distributed among the Regional Health Directorates (Diresa) —in Loreto, San Martin, and Tumbes regions— and the Regional Health Management Offices (Geresa) in Lambayeque region.

These areas have been severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Germany's Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Gerd Müller pointed out that COVID-19 figures are increasing rapidly, especially in developing and emerging countries, deeming the consequences as "dramatic."

"Often, there is a lack of laboratory infrastructure to detect the virus (...) Therefore, Germany supports its partner countries with SEEG experts, PCR test reagents, laboratory equipment, and training for laboratory personnel," he expressed.

Thanks to the increase of testing capabilities, the virus can be detected early. Thus, the infected people can be isolated and avoid infecting others.

In June 2020, the German Epidemic Preparedness Team (SEEG) provided training to laboratory staff in Loreto, San Martin, Tumbes, and Lambayeque regions in order to improve their diagnosis capabilities.

Likewise, specialists from the Charité Medical University of Berlin and German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) assessed their needs. 

On that occasion, the initial 100,000 PCR reagents were delivered to the Peruvian State.

(END) NDP/SRE/MVB

Published: 2/27/2021