VIENNA, April 2 (Xinhua) -- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Wednesday announced that it is dispatching a first batch of equipment to rapidly detect the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 to over 40 countries.
The first batch of supplies, worth around 4 million euros (4.37 million U.S. dollars), will help countries use a nuclear-derived technique known as real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, the most sensitive technique for detecting viruses currently available, according to a statement on the IAEA website.
The IAEA has been using its own resources and extra-budgetary funding from member states to provide emergency COVID-19 assistance. Member states, including the United States, Canada, the Netherlands and Australia, have so far contributed more than 9.5 million euros (10.38 million dollars).
In addition, China has informed the IAEA about its donations of detection equipment, kits, reagents and other medical materials worth 2 million dollars and provision of expert services, it said.
"I am very grateful to the governments of the United States, Canada, China, the Netherlands and Australia for their generous contributions," said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi.
"I encourage others to contribute to this effort so that we can continue to swiftly respond to the growing demands from our member states," Grossi added.
