KIGALI, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda has launched construction works of the National Veterinary Reference Laboratory, a major step to significantly strengthen the country's capacity to detect and respond to disease threats, especially zoonotic diseases.
The facility, unveiled Tuesday in the capital, Kigali, is expected to play a crucial role in the early detection, diagnosis, and management of diseases that can spread between animals and humans.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe said the new laboratory will greatly enhance the country's preparedness and response capabilities.
"We expect it to deliver high-quality, reliable results for disease detection and testing," Bagabe said, adding that the facility will undergo regular evaluations to ensure it consistently provides accurate and trusted outcomes.
Minister of Health Sabin Nsanzimana highlighted the importance of the laboratory in addressing longstanding challenges, particularly the need to send diagnostic samples abroad due to limited local testing capacity.
"There were tests that could not be done in Rwanda and had to be sent outside the country, whether from livestock or other animals, especially those in areas frequently visited by people. Getting these results from abroad was often slow and costly," Nsanzimana explained.
Beyond diagnostics, the facility is expected to enhance scientific research and training. According to Nsanzimana, it will support students, researchers, and international collaborations by providing advanced technical capabilities and expertise within Rwanda.
The laboratory will operate at Biosafety Level 3, enabling it to handle high-risk pathogens that threaten human, animal, and environmental health. ■
