The Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth lormem Alia, has commissioned a state-of-the-art Molecular Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Laboratory in Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Makurdi, Benue state to combat infectious diseases.
The FMC Makurdi Mega PCR Laboratory is one of the PCR laboratories supported by US Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) through APIN Public Health Initiatives. It has undergone rigorous accreditation processes, including adherence to ISO 15189:2012 standards, ensuring its reliability and accuracy and to meet International standard. Speaking during the commission ceremony, Alia said the commissioning of the molecular laboratory shows the commitment of the US government to support the Benue state government to sustain and accelerate progress in ending the HIV epidemic and combating other public health disease outbreaks.
The governor noted that the laboratory will play a pivotal role in the collective efforts to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and Lassa Fever among other infectious diseases, monitor treatment effectiveness, and prevent mother-to-child transmission through HIV viral load testing and Early Infant Diagnosis (EID). “With its advanced technology and skilled workforce, the PCR laboratory will also serve as a cornerstone in our broader public health infrastructure, enabling timely detection, surveillance and response to a wide range of infectious diseases. “Lassa fever is also endemic to Benue state, with the recent.