Western Equatoria State Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa speaks during the handover of a plot of land for the construction of a laboratory – Photo: Office of the Governor.

The government of Western Equatoria State has unveiled plans to build a laboratory to strengthen disease surveillance and improve rapid detection of infectious threats such as Ebola and Mpox.

State Governor Daniel Rimbasa Badagbu handed over a plot of land measuring 50 by 20-meter for the construction of the facility on Wednesday, April 29, marking the start of the project.

Governor Rimbasa says the laboratory will go a long way in improving the region’s ability to detect and respond to infectious diseases such as Ebola and Mpox through faster and more accurate testing.

Speaking at the site, the governor said the project reflects the government’s commitment to protecting public health.

“We have come to the site that’s going to be ended over to the engineer to carry the construction of the reference laboratory of high tech and on behalf of the people of Western Equatoria and the government on my own behalf,” he said.

He noted that the land has now been handed over to engineers to begin building a modern, high-tech reference laboratory on behalf of the people of Western Equatoria.