The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has partnered with the Taraba State Government to inaugurate the newly remodeled Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) laboratory at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jalingo. This facility will be used for testing and monitoring treatment for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB), and other priority diseases.
According to a press statement from USAID, the original PCR laboratory was destroyed by a devastating fire in April 2023, which had previously provided critical HIV/AIDS treatment to the people of Taraba State. In response, USAID collaborated with FMC Jalingo to remodel the virology laboratory into a specialized PCR lab designed for accurate and precise HIV testing.
The remodeled laboratory now features a Hologic Panther Plus, a state-of-the-art PCR machine known for its high output and quick turnaround times for HIV testing. This upgrade is expected to significantly enhance testing capabilities.
Ezekiel James, Deputy Director of USAID/Nigeria HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis Office expressed hope that the upgraded facility will improve HIV testing and treatment services for both Taraba and Adamawa states. The statement also highlighted that through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), USAID provides both operational and technical support to FMC Jalingo’s PCR laboratory, which is one of four PCR labs supported by USAID and twelve supported by PEPFAR in Nigeria.
