The National Biotechnology Development Agency, has developed primers and probes for precise detection of Ebola virus disease, following the release of the genomic sequence of the Zaire strain of the virus.
The agency collaborated with its genomic partners in South Korea to develop the primers, in order to facilitate early laboratory diagnosis and adequate response.
Minister of Science and Technology, Malam Abdul Bulama, who said this at a workshop on differential Molecular Diagnosis of Haemorrhagic and Zoonotic Viral Diseases of National Public Health importance organized by the NBDA in Abuja on Monday, explained that the development of the primers predated the outbreak of the viral disease in Nigeria.
Bulama stated that one of the measures aimed at containing the spread of the virus is early laboratory diagnosis.
According to him, in order to be able to provide adequate response, laboratory personnel should be trained in the theory and practical aspects of the disease to understand the infection, causative agents and the environment that sustains it, vis-a-viz the equipment, reagents and other materials required for early detection, diagnosis and confirmation.
The minister noted that a coordinated international response is necessary to contain the spread of the EVD more so as the World Health Organization, has declared it as an international health emergency.
Bulama stressed that the people directly affected must take the lead, hence his commitment and resolve to host the workshop on Haemorrhagic and Zoonotic Viral Diseases at this time.
He said, “As unprepared as we may seem, I wish to commend our health workers for the prompt action taken to stem what would have spiraled out of control.
“I am equally delighted to know that even when not many people imagined that the Ebola virus would spread to our shores, our scientists at the National Biotechnology Development Agency working with their Genomic partners in South Korea had rapidly developed the primers and probes for a precise detection of Ebola virus following the release of the genomic sequence of this very strain of the virus.”
The minister said that the collaboration between the National Biotechnology Development Agency under his Ministry and the Nigeria Centre for disease Control under the Federal Ministry of Health, which predated the entry of Ebola virus into Nigeria, is the kind of synergistic approach that is necessary for meaningful development for any nation.
He explained that President Goodluck Jonathan, had declared the control and containment of Ebola Virus as a national emergency and has equally demonstrated this concern by the quantum of financial commitment already made.
Bulama therefore encouraged the workshop participants, including the academia and private sector, to put heads together towards doing Nigeria and Africa, by coming up with diagnostic and containment solutions, as well as treatment roadmaps.
“If Zmapp can be given express waiver as a treatment option, we must not fail to use our scientific minds as we x-ray others as emergency options. The entire world is watching, but more importantly, Africans – our brothers are dying and mother Africa is looking up to us,” he added.
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