Australia to boost Pakistan's COVID-19 testing capacity

The Australian High Commission has launched an initiative with the National Institute of Health (NIH) to help double COVID-19 testing capacity across Islamabad and the four provincial capitals of Pakistan. The Australian grant will be administered by the Asian Development Bank through the National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF).

Australia’s assistance aims to enhance genomic sequencing capacity for the early detection of new variants. This includes training 500 healthcare workers to use new lab equipment safely and effectively.

To support the Pakistan Preparedness and Response Plan for COVID-19 Pandemic and protect the vulnerable, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and NDRMF are fast-tracking the project’s implementation.