The portable PCR equipment would enable Noguchi to remotely test samples of suspected COVID-19 cases making it possible to test more people within their communities and neighbourhoods, hence providing the ability to detect cases much quicker.

The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) is one of the institutions in Ghana mandated to carry out testing, contact tracing and diagnostic confirmation of COVID-19 in Ghana.

The Bank also donated N95 masks to protect the health workers as they go into the field to do contact tracing and testing.

Speaking during the presentation, Mrs Mansa Nettey, the Chief Executive, Standard Chartered Bank Ghana Limited, said: "Standard Chartered, in keeping with our brand promise to be here for good, particularly in times of adversity, has committed GHC1 million to support efforts in curbing the spread of COVID-19 in Ghana."

"Testing is very important in the fight against the pandemic and we believe that it is appropriate to support the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research with the right equipment to expand and enhance its testing capabilities."

Professor Abraham Kwabena Anang, the Director of the NMIMR, said: "The Standard Chartered donation will go a long way in the fight against COVID-19. The PCR equipment is a mobile one and the Institute will use it to augment its work in testing for the virus."

He said the gesture from the Bank fits into the vision of the SDG-17, which encourages the building of partnerships; Strategic and Innovative partnerships to break barriers.

"The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research would like to show its appreciation by accepting Standard Chartered as a key strategic partner and will continue to collaborate with them," he said.

The Bank also donated 2000 PPE to the Greater Accra Regional Hospital at Ridge made up of N95 masks, surgical gloves and disposable coveralls to augment the supply of PPE to frontline staff.

The Greater Accra Regional Hospital was the first medical facility in the country to be designated as a Case Management Centre to deal with the outbreak of the disease in Ghana.

Mr Adoteye Anum, Head, Financial Markets, presenting the items to the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, said: "We appreciate the dedication and sacrifice of frontline workers in the fight against COVID-19. We are committed to supporting them with the resources they need to carry out their work effectively".

Dr Emmanuel Srofenyoh, the Medical Director at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, said the donation had come at an opportune time.

"PPE are items that are critically needed by the frontline. There is a high need for them as they are disposable. We appreciate this gesture from Standard Chartered."

These donations form part of the Bank's initial GHS1million commitment to fight Covid-19.

The Bank will be making additional donations including testing equipment and Personal Protective Equipment to hospitals and health facilities across the country as well as supporting the vulnerable in underserved communities.