Yambio set to get UK-backed mobile laboratory for disease detection

Yambio set to get UK-backed mobile laboratory for disease detection

South Sudan’s health authorities and the United Kingdom Rapid Response Team plan to deploy a mobile laboratory at Yambio State Hospital within two to three weeks to strengthen infectious disease detection and testing.

The National Public Health Institute and Ministry of Health held a joint planning meeting with the UK team to assess the proposed deployment and develop a strategy for establishing the facility.

The planned laboratory will provide molecular testing to help health workers identify infections and investigate potential outbreaks more quickly. However, authorities have not announced a confirmed deployment date.

Laboratory to test dangerous viruses

The proposed Type 2 Rapid Response Mobile Laboratory will use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology to detect genetic material from viruses.

According to the deployment plan, testing will include virus-specific PCR and pan-filovirus testing, which can detect viruses belonging to the filovirus group. Additional testing for mpox and other viruses circulating in the region is also under consideration.

Training for local health workers

The UK team plans to support training for laboratory personnel from the Ministry of Health, the National Public Health Institute and subnational health facilities, including staff in Yambio.

The training aims to strengthen local laboratory skills and help health workers operate the facility.

Why it matters

Faster laboratory testing can help health authorities confirm suspected infections, investigate outbreaks and guide public health responses. The planned facility could strengthen diagnostic capacity in Yambio and support efforts to detect infectious disease threats in the region.

The authorities have not yet confirmed the laboratory’s opening date, its full testing capacity or how long the facility will remain in Yambio.

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Yambio set to get UK-backed mobile laboratory for disease detection

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