The Center for Disease Control has offered to build the first Central Public Health Laboratory, in Uganda.
Dr Jackson Amone, the Assistant Commissioner for Curative Services says that the Center for Disease Control is to fund the construction of the laboratory.
He says that currently it's only the Uganda Virus Research Institute that is equipped to diagnose epidemics like Marburg, Ebola, Avian influenza and Swine flu.
Dr Amone says that the Uganda Virus Research Institute still uses outdated technology, which at times forces them to carry samples to South Africa for diagnosis.
He however stresses that there is need to increase funding for such facilities such that the dilapidated structures and equipment are replaced.
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Dr Amone Jackson revealed this while launching the Uganda National Health Laboratory Service Policy in Kampala, yesterday.
He said that Uganda National Health Laboratory Services Policy is aimed at attaining good standards of health by all people, promoting better management of diseases, faster recovery and less visits to health facilities.
According to James Kakoza, the State Minister for Primary Health Care Uganda is faced with a big burden of communicable diseases, which requires appropriate, quality and supportive laboratory diagnostic services.
