By: Jackson Gaaniko
Western Equatoria State (WES) has taken a major step toward improving its capacity to detect and respond to infectious diseases after Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa officially handed over land for the construction of a modern high-tech reference laboratory in Yambio.
The facility, which will be built at Yambio State Hospital, is expected to transform how the state handles outbreaks of diseases such as Ebola and Mpox by enabling faster, on-site testing and reducing reliance on laboratories in Juba.
Speaking during the handover ceremony on Wednesday, Governor Badagbu described the project as a significant milestone in strengthening public health systems in Western Equatoria.
“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.
He confirmed that the land, measuring 50 by 20 meters, has been officially allocated, with construction expected to begin immediately as technical teams are already on the ground.
The laboratory project is supported by the African Union in partnership with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, as part of wider efforts to strengthen laboratory systems and epidemic preparedness across South Sudan.
Once completed, the facility will allow health workers in Yambio to test infectious disease samples locally, ensuring quicker diagnosis, faster treatment, and more timely public health interventions to contain potential outbreaks.
“This investment is a major boost to our preparedness and will help protect the lives of our people,” the governor said.
Gregory Wani Dumo, Director General for Diagnostic Laboratory Services at the Ministry of Health, said the allocation of land demonstrates strong local ownership and commitment to the project.
“When the land is secured locally, the project belongs to the people it serves,” he said, adding that local testing will improve sample integrity and significantly reduce the time needed to respond to outbreaks.
Western Equatoria State Minister of Health, James Abdallah Arona, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a restoration of hope for the health sector and a sign of effective cooperation between state and national authorities.
The high-tech reference laboratory is expected to become a key diagnostic hub for Ebola, Mpox, and other infectious diseases, strengthening health security in Western Equatoria and across South Sudan.