The East African Community (EAC) today launched Phase III of its Mobile Laboratories Project, marking a significant step in strengthening the region’s capacity for rapid disease detection and response. The launch took place on the sidelines of the 25th EAC Sectoral Council of Ministers of Health meeting in Arusha, Tanzania.
This latest phase of the project reinforces the EAC’s commitment to health security through the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health. The initiative is aimed at enhancing cross-border surveillance and timely response to public health threats such as COVID-19, Ebola, Marburg, and Mpox.
Equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, the mobile laboratories will provide real-time testing capabilities in remote and high-risk areas, enabling early identification and containment of infectious diseases across member states.
“The launch of Phase III is a testament to our resolve to safeguard the health of our citizens and strengthen our collective preparedness against epidemics and pandemics,” said an EAC representative during the launch.
The project is supported by strategic development partners, including the German Development Bank (KfW), the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), and others, who have played a vital role in funding and technical support.
With this milestone, the EAC continues to build a resilient regional health system, ready to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging and re-emerging health threats.
