The Institute of Public Health after being presented with a donation from the United States will strengthen its capacity to become a regional center for detection of all types of pathogens and to equip the country to be fully prepared to manage any type of crisis that might break out in the future.

The equipment, worth $570,000, was handed over by US Ambassador Kate Byrnes

The upgrade of the microbiology lab at the Institute of Public Health, which has been playing a key role in managing the coronavirus crisis, according to Health Minister Venko Filipche, is one of a kind in the region. “It includes biosafety level 3, meaning it is adequately accredited to detect pathogens that produce diseases. It means we are fully prepared to manage any crisis that might hit us and also the region in the future,” Minister Filipche said.

The US, he noted, has proven what it means to be partners, to be close to the countries it is cooperating with and to strengthen the systems permanently in order to manage any kind of crisis.

So far, the US has assisted the country to strengthen the health system by donating close to two million dollars in personal protection equipment, ventilators, etc.

The donation is an investment in health security of our partners, said US Ambassador Kate Byrnes, adding the project originates from 2018 long before the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

She said she is proud that it offered a potential for improvement. Global challenges, according to her, can be overcome with joint efforts by investing in doctors and scientists.

Also, Ambassador Byrnes said she is satisfied that the project is of regional significance.