Local production of Covid-19 rapid tests will speed up the country's response to the pandemic by identifying and responding to cluster areas timeously.
On Monday the minister said the production of these tests bywill reduce SA's and the continent's reliance on imports from other countries, and curb the further spread of Covid-19 which is driven by the dominant and highly infectious Delta variant.
Nzimande added this will also speed up the country's response to the pandemic by identifying and responding to cluster areas timeously. “This latest development is part of a concerted effort by the Department of Science and Innovation and its partners to build local capabilities to respond to viruses like Covid-19.
“Ensuring that diagnostics, vaccines, and so on are locally manufactured means that SA need not depend on imports of life-saving products. This is crucial, as the Covid-19 pandemic has shown how difficult it is for the developing world to compete with richer nations for access to such products,” said the minister.
CapeBio will, at full operational capacity, produce up to 5,000 kits a day, with each kit providing 1,000 tests, according to company CEO Daniel Ndima.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Local biotech company authorised to manufacture Covid-19 rapid test kitsThe partnership will help to reduce South Africa's reliance on imports.
Read more »
Local govt elections: Covid-19 not a good enough reason for postponementMost political parties and NGOs are arguing that local government is dysfunctional and must be repaired.
Read more »
UK slashes cost of Covid-19 tests after criticismThe tourism industry and competition watchdog have complained that the National Health Service offering is too pricey
Read more »
SA company gets the green light to manufacture Covid-19 rapid test kitsIt is hoped the local manufacture of the kits will reduce the reliance on imports, with positive implications for access and pricing.
Read more »
What we know and don’t know about children and Covid-19As the vaccine rollout reaches an increasing number of adults, where does this leave children?
Read more »