UNDP hands TB Lab to North Darfur Health Ministry

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Sudan handed over the Tuberculosis Zonal Laboratory constructed in El Fasher Teaching Hospital to the North Darfur Ministry of Health on Monday.

The laboratory building and equipment are supported by the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, and are envisioned to improve the quality of TB testing in Darfur, the state and for Darfur states, UNDP Sudan said in a press statement today.

North Darfur Minister of Social Welfare, Dr Fatima Ibrahim, inaugurated the Laboratory by cutting the ribbon.

“We thank UNDP and Global Fund for the support provided to North Darfur which will help us to face the challenges in the health sector. The laboratory that was established today is very important as effective treatment starts with correct diagnosis,” she said.

Speaking on the occasion, Selva Ramashandran, director of UNDP Sudan hailed the ten-years- partnership with the federal and state Ministries of Health and other implementing partners in the country. They have helped to treat 14.4 million cases of malaria by distributing 16 million mosquito nets and providing 3,800 people with free AIDS treatment all over Sudan.

The grant funds have been used to support 114 health facilities to provide free testing and treatment for malaria in North Darfur, distributing 1.6 million bed nets, supporting 18 TB management units, 11 HIV testing centres, and one HIV treatment centre in North Darfur, the statement reads.

Dr Muneer Mattar, Director-General of the North Darfur Ministry of Health added: “As we celebrate our achievements in North Darfur, our partnership with UNDP and Global Fund will be strengthened. The El Fasher Teaching Hospital is celebrating 100 years of existence, and this facility will enhance its functioning to meet the health challenges to not only Darfur, but also to the neighbouring countries”.

The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has been supporting the HIV and AIDS, TB and malaria programmes in Sudan since 2005. During the last ten years, the global fund has invested around $400 million in the country.