THE United States, through its Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS), led a two-week molecular biology training to strengthen the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) testing capabilities of Filipino medical technologists.
From June 1 to 12, the US Department of Defense’s Philippines-AFRIMS Virology Research Unit (PAVRU) trained four medical laboratory technologists on biosafety, biosecurity, respiratory sample processing and storage, as well as Covid-19 testing techniques at the V. Luna Medical Center, the biggest military medical facility in the Philippines.
During the early phases of the Covid-19 pandemic, PAVRU provided the medical center with testing and laboratory-supply support, including reagents, laboratory consumables, access to equipment and guidance for molecular testing. In addition, the unit offered technical guidance as the military hospital designed, renovated and equipped a dedicated Covid-19 testing laboratory which includes biosafety cabinets, centrifuges and biomedical freezers. With PAVRU support, the medical facility and its personnel have completed nearly 3,000 Covid-19 tests on behalf of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
PAVRU and the AFP have maintained a strong partnership since the 2009 H1N1 influenza outbreak, when they teamed up to support disease testing in the Philippines. With the onset of the current pandemic, PAVRU is once again working directly with and supporting the Philippine Army’s personnel in their fight against Covid-19.
AFRIMS is an overseas laboratory of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland. Since 1893, WRAIR has worked to reduce the impact of some of the world’s most debilitating diseases.
Image credits: Embassy of the United States