The Netherlands will support North Macedonia in acquiring tests for the Coronavirus based on nuclear technology and developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the World Health Organisation.
The tests are expected to arrive in the country within days. The test kits are based on the technique known as real time reverse transcription-poly merase chain reaction (real time RT-PCR), the most sensitive technique for detecting viruses currently available. The IAEA has extensive experience in transfer of know-how and materials.
The technology used for the tests was originally set up for the veterinary sector together with the Food and Agricultural Organisation and was subsequently developed and deployed to tackle the ZIKA and Ebola outbreaks. “Stopping the Coronavirus pandemic is in humanity’s common interest. We need to work together globally to control it.” – said Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Stef Blok. The total Dutch support for the IAEA for Corona virus testing kits that will be distributed to North-Macedonia, Ukraine and Morocco amounts to 500.000 Euro.
