By France Ofili
The West African Health Organisation (WAHO) has handed over laboratory equipment worth about 1.51 million euros to Guinea-Bissau to strengthen disease detection and public health response.
WAHO said this in a post on its official X account on Thursday, saying the equipment would enhance the capacity of Guinea-Bissau’s National Public Health Laboratory.
According to the organisation, the equipment will improve diagnostics, disease surveillance and the country’s ability to respond effectively to public health threats.
WAHO said its Director-General, Dr Melchior Aïssi, formally presented the equipment to Guinea-Bissau’s Minister of Public Health, Commodore Dr Quinhin Nantote.
It added that the ceremony was witnessed by the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Guinea-Bissau, Amb. Ngozi Ukaeje, and other health officials.
The organisation said the support formed part of Phase II of the Strengthening of Epidemiological Services and Health Systems in the ECOWAS Region (PROALAB) project.
“The PROALAB project is funded by the Federal Republic of Germany through KfW Entwicklungsbank to strengthen laboratory and epidemiological systems.
“Its first component focuses on strengthening regional surveillance systems and laboratories through equipment procurement for reference laboratories,” it said.
According to WAHO, five ECOWAS member states are benefiting from the procurement programme: Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal and The Gambia.
“The equipment will enhance the National Public Health Laboratory’s operational and technical capacity in disease detection and confirmation.
“It includes PCR and immunological testing equipment to support advanced laboratory diagnosis and disease surveillance.
“The supplies also include general laboratory equipment, laboratory products and materials needed for routine diagnostic operations.
“Reagents and consumables were also provided to ensure sustained laboratory testing and support the facility’s daily activities,” it said.
WAHO said the intervention was expected to strengthen Guinea-Bissau’s ability to detect, confirm and monitor diseases through improved laboratory surveillance.
The organisation added that the support would contribute to sustainable national diagnostic capacity and improve preparedness for public health emergencies..(NAN)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
