NDDC lifts nine states with 54 PCR machines, kits

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has kicked off the distribution of 54 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machines and related medical items to health institutions across the Niger Delta region for the fight against the Coronavirus, warning that the virus is still spreading.

Its Acting Managing Director, Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei, who spoke during the distribution at the NDDC Warehouse, in Port Harcourt, said there was a need for increased testing.

Pondei, in a statement signed by the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Charles Odili, said the commission had been in the forefront to address the health concerns of the people of the region.

He said: “We are concluding our COVID-19 intervention with the distribution of PCR machines across the Niger Delta region. We hope that the benefitting institutions will put them into good use for both testing of patients for COVID-19 and also for research purposes.

“In the wake of the COVID-19 community transmission in the Niger Delta region, the commission went to great lengths to purchase 54 of these critically-needed equipment for distribution to testing facilities in the region to strengthen provisions and preparedness to manage the pandemic. We sought and obtained validation of the equipment from the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).”