The measure aims to strengthen the means of diagnosis and screening, in the detection and treatment of cases of infection and is part of the commitment assumed by Portugal in combating the pandemic and in mitigating its impacts in African Portuguese Speaking Countries (PALOP) and Timor-Leste.

Each of these countries will receive 20,000 tests donated by Portugal, with Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau receiving this material today and São Tomé and Príncipe on Saturday.

The delivery of the material will be made to the national authorities of those countries through the Portuguese diplomatic representations in Praia, Bissau and São Tomé, says the joint note from the Portuguese Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Health.

The offer is part of the second phase of the “Action Plan in the health response to the pandemic COVID-19” between Portugal and the PALOP and Timor-Leste, promoted by the Portuguese Government, through these two ministries, which plans to support these countries in the areas of testing, training and capacity building and the sending of personal protective equipment and vaccination.