This archive report was first published on 19 May 2020.
On May 18, 2020, the German government announced its support for the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) to utilize its laboratories and staff to offer more testing for Covid-19 in Kenya.
Under this arrangement, the German Embassy in Nairobi stated that the partnership will provide needed resources and experts against the virus disease.
ILRI's new initiative, the One Health Research, Education and Outreach Centre for Africa (OHRECA), aims to test at least 800 people a day and will be officially launched later.
The programme will also target studying possible ways of preventing future pandemics, especially in zoonotic diseases, and improving food security in Kenya, officials said.
Dr. Patrick Amoth, the acting director general for Health, and ILRI's Director General Jimmy Smith sealed the deal on Monday, facilitated by the German Federal Government, in Nairobi.
"We are pleased to be part of this partnership to expand testing for Covid-19 and we welcome ILRI and Germany's support in this area," said Dr. Amoth.
Germany has also provided mobile laboratories and diagnostic kits to the East African Community and plans to partake in regional training on screening at Airports in Mombasa and Nairobi.
