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An initiative to strengthen global preparedness for future pandemics like COVID-19 has been launched by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The project, called ZODIAC, builds on the IAEA's experience in assisting countries in the use of nuclear and nuclear-derived techniques for the rapid detection of pathogens that cause transboundary animal diseases, including ones that spread to humans.
- Source: World Nuclear News
- Date: Wednesday, 17 June 2020
- Original article: world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/IAEA-project-to-bolster-preparedness-for-pandemics
The agency’s director-general, Rafael Mariano Grossi, told a virtual board of governors meeting on Monday that the Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action (Zodiac) project will give member states access to equipment, technology packages, expertise, guidance and training.
The aim is to make the world better prepared for future outbreaks. Mr Grossi said Covid-19 had exposed problems related to virus detection capabilities in many countries, as well as a need for better communication between health institutions around the world.
- Source: Nucnet
- Date: Tuesday, 16 June 2020
- Original article: nucnet.org/news/iaea-launches-zodiac-project-to-establish-global-laboratory-network-6-1-2020
A ceremony was held today to mark the official opening of a state-of-the-art laboratory building, named after former International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Yukiya Amano, at the agency's Seibersdorf site outside Vienna, Austria. The new facility will increase the IAEA's capacity to assist countries in fighting and preventing transboundary animal and zoonotic diseases like COVID-19, and to tackle challenges related to climate change and food safety.
- Source: World Nuclear News
- Date: Saturday, 06 June 2020
- Original article: world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/IAEA-opens-Yukiya-Amano-Laboratories
The agency said its assistance includes equipment and expertise to help laboratories around the world step up testing as part of efforts to curb the spread of the disease.
The effort has drawn around €26m in extrabudgetary funds, including support from IAEA member states and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, the Japanese multinational pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical company. Last month Takeda said it would commit around €4.35m in support of the initiative.
The agency has been helping countries through the provision of RT-PCR equipment, as well as accessories for testing and sampling. It is also providing personal protective equipment and offering webinars and video guidance for health and laboratory professionals on sample collection and processing.
- Source: Nucnet
- Date: Friday, 05 June 2020
- Original article: nucnet.org/news/iaea-delivers-supplies-to-80-countries-in-fight-against-pandemic-6-4-2020