Two PCR cyclers to help detect coronavirus arrive in North and East Syria

HASAKAH and DAYRIK (AL-MALIKIYAH), Syria – On Sunday, a medical equipment, supplies, and medicines were delivered to the Democratic Autonomous Administration (DAA) of North and East Syria by the U.S.-led International Coalition. The medical aid was transported from the Coalition base in Al-Shaddadah to the DAA Health Directorate in Hasakah city, to be distributed to hospitals in the area.

A source in the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said that they expect to receive additional medical equipment and supplies in the coming period to cover the needs of health centers and hospitals in the area.

In an interview, Spokesperson for the International Coalition Col. Myles B. Caggins III said that Coalition forces and the international community are providing financial support to the SDF to counter the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

The U.S State Department has also allocated $16 million to protect various areas in Syria.

In related news, two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cyclers to be used in the detection of COVID-19 arrived in North and East Syria on Sunday through the Semalka Border Crossing. The machines have been donated to the DAA by the Kurdistan Regional Government which governs the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. One of the machines will remain in Gozarto (Jazira) Region, and the other will be sent to another DAA administered region.

The receipt of the PCR cyclers is a big step in increasing the DAA’s ability to diagnose and contain COVID-19. A number of doctors, technicians, and nurses are undergoing training on how to use the PCR cyclers.

General Commander of the SDF Mazloum Abdi, tweeted a message of thanks to KRI President Mr. Nechirvan Barzani for responding to their request to send two PCR cyclers to aid in the DAA’s response to COVID-19.

كل الشكر والتقدير لرئيس إقليم كردستان كاك نيجيرفان برزاني @IKRPresident على إستجابته السريعة والكريمة لطلبنا في إرسال مختبرين طبيين للكشف عن فيروس كورونا، وسعيه لإرسال المزيد منها دعما لجهودنا في مكافحة هذه الجائحة.

— Mazloum Abdî مظلوم عبدي (@MazloumAbdi) April 12, 2020