As part of our longstanding commitment to the Good Deeds Are Good initiative, in December JBS were pleased to support the roll-out of a new rapid molecular Covid-19-Genome test for detecting the coronavirus from saliva. This was achieved in partnership with the Center for Human Genome and Stem Cell Studies of the Biosciences Institute at the University of Sao Paolo.

The breakthrough tests, which have already been made available in Sao Paolo, allows the patient to collect their own saliva in test tube in a painless, non-invasive manner. This reduces contagion risk as it no longer requires a healthcare professional to obtain samples from the nose and throat. Moreover, using saliva eliminates the use of swabs for testing.

JBS’ contribution to scientific studies and research projects now exceeds R$ 50 million across 38 initiatives. This is part of our wider commitment to provide R$ 400 million in donations to combat the spread of coronavirus. It has already been It is estimated that more than 77 million people have directly benefited from these donations in over 290 municipalities across Brazil.

In addition to the landmark development of the saliva tests, JBS has now also donated 21 RNA extractors and 62 extraction kits to the Brazilian Ministry of Health. This equipment, which will be utilised in all regions of the country, allows clinicians to undertake faster Covid-19 testing by processing 96 samples an hour. Once the pandemic has ended, this equipment can be repurposed to be used to diagnose viral diseases such as influenza, HPV and Hepatitis B and C viruses, among others.

It was also announced in December that the Good Deeds Are Good initiative had provided further investment dedicated to improving hospital facilities in the city of Dourados in Mato Grosso do Sul. This donation, combined with previous donations of medical equipment in June and September, will ensure that the local indigenous community in Dourados are equipped to deal with the current pandemic. These facilities will also be repurposed to serve the community once the pandemic has ended.

JBS remains both proud and steadfast in its commitments to ensure the Good Deeds Are Good programme delivers long-lasting positive outcomes for our communities.