The kits, which contain primer and testing reagents, worth ¥400,000 (K5.21 million/US$3600) will boost the country’s ability to prevent entry of the deadly disease.





JICA officials said they handed over the first batch of the kits in response to an urgent request from the NHL.

The aid agency said Japan will do its best to help Myanmar in the fight against COVID-19.

“Myanmar has had relatively higher rates of infection from major infectious diseases compared to other ASEAN counties, which requires it to strengthen its capacity to respond to and diagnose such diseases,” the statement said.

“Since 2005, through Japan’s development assistance, JICA has provided technical cooperation to enhance the country’s capacity to handle major infectious disease.”

The NHL has been designated by the Ministry of Health and Sports as the lead institution to perform diagnosis of suspected COVID-19 cases.

The laboratory performed parallel testing for COVID-19 with the World Health Organization’s designated laboratory, with consistent results.

The NHL began independent testing for COVID-19 last Thursday. As of Monday, 40 people suspected to have the disease had tested negative, and Myanmar had no confirmed cases.