To increase diagnostic capacity in response to COVID-19 pandemic, WHO, with funding from the European Union (EU), donated supplies to South Sudan’s National Public Health Laboratory.
The supplies included materials and reagents that support real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a test platform for COVID-19 viral detection. The supplies will be sufficient to support testing for over 500 COVID-19 samples per day for the next two months.
Detection of patients with COVID-19 symptoms is essential for patient care and isolation in designated facilities and to screen close contacts for asymptomatic infection and disease as part of outbreak response.
Thanks to the generous contribution of the EU, the introduction of diagnostic techniques and increased testing will enhance the capacity and effectiveness of South Sudan’s fight against COVID-19.
The laboratory has contributed significantly to the COVID-19 response through support to communicable disease surveillance, outbreak detection, contact tracing and management of confirmed cases.
WHO thanks all donors and partners who have contributed to fund the Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan to combat COVID-19. A special appreciation goes to Member States and other contributors who provided flexible funds, making it possible for WHO to deliver a coherent, strategic and broad response.Read more about WHO and EU support to South Sudan on the AFRO webpages