VIRUS SPECIMEN MANAGEMENT. Health officials and representatives from the International Organization for Migration show the deed of donation for effective handling of coronavirus disease 2019 specimen in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) donated over 240 specimen carriers, 240 ice packs, and 4,800 specimen bags to the regional government on Monday (Nov. 9, 2020). (Photo courtesy of MOH-BARMM)
COTABATO CITY--To achieve a more efficient and safer cold chain management of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) specimen, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) donated on Monday over 240 specimen carriers, 240 ice packs, and 4,800 specimen bags to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The IOM said the donation was part of its strategic support to the regional government's Ministry of Health so that it can respond to the Covid-10 crisis using the “prepare, prevent, protect” approach.
Dr. Amirel Usman, acting BARMM health minister, said the equipment would be used in the transport of Covid-19 specimens and will be distributed to different Integrated Provincial Health Offices and quarantine facilities across the region.
"We would like to protect the environment and temperature of the specimen in order not to alter its natural form," Usman said as he noted that the accuracy of test results depends on the integrity of samples after its collection.
IOM has been one of the major international organizations that had been assisting the region as it rises from the decades-old armed conflict and poverty. (PNA)
