The government of South Sudan has inaugurated the first animal disease central diagnostic laboratory that will identify the common tropical diseases affecting livestock.
Livestock resources contribute only 3% to the gross domestic product in South Sudan.
Over 65 percent of the population relies on livestock for their survival. Cattle are used not only for milk and meat, but to pay dowry to the bride’s family before a marriage in many parts of the country.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Juba on Friday, Vice President James Wani Igga said the new laboratory will enhance the global system of detecting and preventing animal diseases.
"What do we see as benefits of such diagnostic center? I believe for sure number one is improved development and use of science and technology for prevention and detection,” Igga said.
He further said the new facility will also boost the conduct of comprehensive researches with partners, academic and private sectors.
“South Sudan needs to conduct research and enhance global systems for preventing, detecting and diagnosing diseases,” he said.
South Sudan’s Livestock and Fisheries Minister, James Janga Duku said the newly inaugurated laboratory was the first one in the region.
“This laboratory is classified internationally as level one equipped to diagnose common tropical animal diseases in South Sudan,” he said.
For his part, Meshack Malo, the country representative for the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), said they have trained enough manpower to run the new facility.
“We have 18 technicians that have been trained and will run this laboratory, and we have 71 other technicians trained out of Juba who will ensure that samples reach this place in the right form,” Meshack said.
He added, “We want to assure you we will work to ensure the livestock sector increases the gross domestic product of the country”.
The animal disease diagnostic laboratory project was funded by the Japanese government and implemented by FAO through its trans-boundary animal project.