The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Taraba State government have commissioned the newly remodeled Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Laboratory at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jalingo. The lab will enhance testing and treatment monitoring for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and other priority diseases.
A fire in April 2023 destroyed the original PCR laboratory, which was crucial for life-saving HIV/AIDS treatment in Taraba State. In response, USAID collaborated with FMC Jalingo to remodel the facility’s virology lab into a PCR laboratory equipped with the Hologic Panther Plus, a specialized PCR machine known for high output and quick turnaround in HIV testing.
During the commissioning, Dr. Ezekiel James, Deputy Director of the USAID/Nigeria HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis Office, expressed optimism that the remodeled lab would boost HIV testing and treatment efforts in Taraba and Adamawa states.
Supported by the United States President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the FMC Jalingo PCR lab is one of four USAID-supported and 12 PEPFAR-supported PCR labs in Nigeria.
It plays a critical role in analyzing HIV viral loads in patients on antiretroviral therapy and testing infants exposed to HIV. To further enhance Taraba State’s HIV prevention and care capabilities, USAID has improved the technical capacity of healthcare workers and the quality of services at the molecular laboratory.
The remodeled PCR laboratory resumed full operations in May 2024 and has since processed over 9,333 viral load samples, significantly benefiting people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy.
