The African Startup That Raised $500 k to fight COVID-19
Healthcare Startup, 54Gene raised half a million US Dollars in less than 24 hours as they aim to produce test kits for the continent.
Nations and citizens across the continent are playing their respective parts in the bid to contain the spread of Covid-19. The coronavirus has proved to be highly contagious and in less than a week, the number of confirmed cases across the continent has more than tripled.
54Gene, A health-tech startup from Nigeria, has raised optimism and gained spotlight in the last week after securing significant funding in a short space of time. The research, services and development company will be using the funds to support the country's Disease Control unit by accelarating the testing process. The funds will ensure that testing instruments and biosafety materials can be distributed across the country. They estimate that they can ensure a further 1,000 tests per day across the country.
According to WeeTracker's Nzekwe Henry:
"By intensifying the testing process for COVID-19, 54gene hopes to help minimize the spread of the viral infection which has spread to over 170 countries across the globe, infecting 480,000+ persons and leading to more than 21,000 deaths worldwide."
The publication also spoke to Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong, the CEO of 54gene who says:
"With the Nigeria COVID-19 Testing Fund, we are working in sync with the NCDC to make Nigeria's public health an absolute priority during this global pandemic, which has left thousands dead or fighting for their lives,"
With potential to aid other health-tech companies across the continent, 54gene's breakthrough could be seen as a massive moment in the fight for containment.
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