EU hands over Wau Diagnostic lab to Health Ministry

02.09.2021

The molecular diagnostic laboratory in Wau Teaching Hospital.

The European Union (EU) Delegation to South Sudan on Wednesday officially handed over the molecular diagnostic laboratory in Wau Teaching Hospital to the South Sudan Ministry of Health.

The PCR machine is an essential tool for tests on COVID -19 for the South Sudanese population in order to keep track and monitoring viruses such as COVID-19.

“Most pathogens can only be detected with the help of modern laboratory technology and skilled personnel, which require a solid investment by the government. Donors stand ready to complement adequate efforts by the government,” said Mr. Wim Vandenbroucke, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation in Juba.  

Man speaking at a lectern

Mr. Wim Vandenbroucke, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation during the handover ceremony at the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre in Juba.

The European diplomat also challenged the government to ensure safety of health care workers and other humanitarians as they carry out their lifesaving activities across the country.

“I wish to express the EU’s sincere gratitude to the health care workers in Wau and elsewhere. Health workers are too often confronted with insecurity and have to work with sometimes-insufficient material and protection. We call on the government to curb the worrying increase of attacks on health workers and to pay their salaries timely,” Mr. Vandenbroucke stressed.

The molecular diagnostic laboratory according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative, Dr. Fabien Ndenzako will increase testing capacity for COVID-19 and other high-threat infectious diseases.

“Ensuring quality diagnostics in laboratories is key to develop a sustainable public health response to infectious disease outbreaks and other global health security challenges,” said Dr. Ndenzako.

Three women

L-R: Health Ministry Undersecretary Dr. Victoria Majur, Health Minister Elisabeth Achuei and Central Equatoria State Health Minister during the handover ceremony at the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre in Juba on Wednesday.

African Development Bank Country Manager, Benedict Kanu, Health Minister Elisabeth Achuei, the Undersecretary, Dr. Victoria Majur and Acting COVID-19 Incident Manager, Dr. John Rumunu also graced the handover ceremony at the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre in Juba.

The EU supported the establishment of the diagnostic laboratories in Wau andJuba through the WHO.

Group of people posing outside

Health Ministry officials, donors and health partners representatives posing for a group photo at the handover ceremony at the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre in Juba on Wednesday.