The governor of Western Equatoria State has handed over land for the construction of a high-tech reference laboratory in Yambio, aimed at boosting detection and response to infectious diseases including Ebola and mpox.
Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa said during a ceremony on Wednesday that the facility would strengthen the state’s ability to diagnose and manage outbreaks locally, reducing reliance on testing in the capital, Juba.
“At this important juncture, we have come to the site that will be handed over to engineers for the construction of a high-tech reference laboratory that will serve the people of Western Equatoria,” he said, adding that construction would begin immediately.
The laboratory, to be built on a 50-by-20 metre plot at Yambio State Hospital, is expected to improve turnaround times for test results and support faster public health responses.
The project is backed by the African Union and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) as part of efforts to strengthen laboratory systems and epidemic preparedness in South Sudan.
Gregory Wani Dumo, director general for diagnostic laboratory services at the national health ministry, said the project reflected cooperation between local and national authorities.
“The allocation of land by the state government demonstrates clear ownership. When the land is secured locally, the project belongs to the people it serves,” he said.
He added that local testing for diseases such as Ebola and mpox would help preserve sample integrity and reduce delays in obtaining results.
Western Equatoria State Health Minister James Abdallah Arona said the facility would help revive the region’s health sector.
Residents also welcomed the project, saying it would ease longstanding challenges in diagnosing infectious diseases.
“This is good news for the entire community because it has been difficult to detect diseases like Ebola and mpox. This laboratory will help identify illnesses quickly,” said Inopai Santo Mobili, a resident of Mvolo County.
Once completed, the laboratory is expected to serve as a key diagnostic hub for Western Equatoria and surrounding areas, strengthening health security in South Sudan.
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