The mobile laboratory of the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM) was constructed and began operating in the newly built Kara Tepe refugee camp on Lesvos Island, Greece. The mobile laboratory was deployed at the request of the Greek authorities with financial support from WHO/Europe, under the framework of WHO’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN).
This mobile laboratory has the capacity to daily test many patient samples and then quickly turn around results for medical staff at the refugee camp. Over at least the next two months, the mobile laboratory will not only help local authorities and medical teams stop the spread of COVID-19, but it will also ensure treatment at an early stage of COVID-19 and other diseases. Similar BNITM laboratories have proven successful in fighting other infectious disease outbreaks.
BNITM is Germany’s largest institution for research, treatment and training in the field of tropical diseases and new emerging infections.
WHO thanks all donors and partners who have contributed to fund the Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan to combat COVID-19. A special appreciation goes to Member States and other contributors who provided flexible funds, making it possible for WHO to deliver a coherent, strategic and broad response.
Visit the WHO/EURO webpage to learn more about the WHO supported mobile laboratory