On 23^rd September 2020 official ceremony of COVID-19 detection equipment transfer to Ministry of Health and social protection of population took place. Equipment was provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) through the project INT0098 for strengthening the national capacities of designated laboratories in their fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Provided equipment consist of three sets of diagnostic kits and equipment of nuclear-derived techniques to contribute to the rapid detection of viruses in Tajikistan in the amount of 420, 000.00 Euro. More specifically, the support package is comprised of:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the operators during sampling, sample processing and testing;
• Equipment for establishment/upgrade of molecular diagnostics (thermocycler, biosafety and PCR cabinets, small equipment like centrifuges, vortexes etc.); and
• A specific diagnostic kit for the detection of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV / COVID-19) using three techniques, the one established by Charité Virology, Berlin, Germany (Dr Drostens’ team), the one established by the Hong Kong University (both recommended by WHO) and the new, validated and certified BGI ready to use RT-PCR kit. Ilhom Mirsaidzoda, Director, Nuclear and Radiation Safety Agency (National Atomic Energy Authority), National Academy of Sciences transferred equipment on behalf of IAEA. Deputy Minister Samariddin Alizodas and Deputy Director of State Institution "Tajikistan Institute of Preventive Medicine" Khurshed Saidov received equipment and said that it will be used in effective way and installed in priority locations in order to reduce COVID-19 pandemic expansion.

Ilhom Mirsaidzoda, Director, Nuclear and Radiation Safety Agency (National Atomic Energy Authority), National Academy of Sciences mentioned that IAEA procured additional set for Institute of Veterinary under Agricultural Academy of Sciences and its delivery will take place soon.