Update: NIMR Develops COVID-19 Molecular Test Kit, Named SIMA

By Ibrahim Agunbiade  

The Nigerian Institute Of Medical Research (NIMR) has announced the development of a  Rapid Test Kit For COVID-19. The Director-General of the Agency, Professor Babatunde Lawal Salako made the announcement at the launching of the kit, called NIMR SARS-CoV-2 Isothermal Molecular Assay (SIMA).

According to the DG, SIMA is a fast and sensitive point-of-care test for SARS-COV-2 infection using molecular technique and was borne out of the global sample testing challenges experienced by scientists and physicians. SIMA was developed by NIMR Scientist Dr. Chika Onwuamah.

Speaking on the importance of the test kit in the fight against the global pandemic, Salako said, “While no effective vaccine has been developed to date, case detection remains the surest way of controlling the pandemic.
“Molecular laboratories remain limited in number, and people living in remote areas are at a disadvantage when it comes to getting tested.

“Testing centres are also limited and mostly available in urban areas. The molecular test kits are, therefore, one sure way to confirm the presence or otherwise of the virus in a population,” he said.