TEHRAN, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Iran National Innovation Fund (INIF) has invested 875,000 U.S. dollars in nanotechnology to boost the domestic production of health-protective items against the novel coronavirus pandemic, Eghtesadonline news website reported Sunday.
To this end, the state-backed INIF has forged contracts with eligible knowledge-based companies to produce N95 and N99 face masks for the medical staff, according to the report.
The money is also to be spent in enhancing machinery, especially the electrospinning machines, used in the production of masks, Eghtesadonline said.
"The move is aimed at increasing the production of health-protective items needed during the pandemic, including N95 respirator and surgical masks, hand sanitizers, alcohol-based disinfectants, medical air disinfectant machines, antibacterial fabrics and coveralls for hospital use, as well as testing kits and simulators," said INIF chief Ali Vahdat.
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 in Iran on Feb. 19, a total of 71,686 cases have been reported, of whom 4,474 have died.
