Senegal is firmly taking its destiny in its hand as far as the light against coronavirus is concerned.
While a country like Nigeria is still bemoaning non-availability of testing equipment and ventilators, the West African country has exploited its native intelligence to manufacture such.
It is said to have developed one of the world’s most affordable coronavirus testing kits, which costs $1 each and $60 3D printed ventilators.
According to a report in Linda Ikeji Blog, a laboratory in Senegal used its AIDS and Ebola experience to develop a $1 COVID-19 testing kit and ventilators that cost just $60.
It adds that the country has recorded the highest recovery rate in Africa so far and the 3rd highest recovery rate in the world. 283 of its 671 Coronavirus patients have recovered and 9 have died.
“Unlike most countries that wait till patients start exhibiting symptoms before tests are carried out due to shortage of test kits, Senegal is testing everyone who indicates interest, symptoms or not, and this has helped them identify those affected early to allow them begin treatment before the illness progresses.Senegal has no shortage of testing kits, thanks to this lab.
“Also, with a scarcity of ventilators in the country, Senegal’s engineers are using a 3D printing machine to produce more ventilators. Imported ventilators cost $16,000 but the one manufactured by Senegal engineers cost only $60,” It notes.
