"This mobile laboratory will help Ethiopia to diagnose serious or potentially lethal infectious disease outbreaks," said Worknesh Gonet, UNOPS Country Director in Ethiopia.

As part of the project, UNOPS sustainably procured the mobile lab and all of the equipment in it, ensured the laboratory was in line with World Health Organization (WHO) standards, and coordinated its pre-delivery inspection from Italy. UNOPS also facilitated training for medical experts from the Ethiopian Public Health Institute in the use of the new equipment.

"UNOPS is negotiating with the supplier to provide additional technical training for laboratory technicians to ensure sustainable use of the equipment," added Ms. Gonet.

WHO developed the technical specifications for the mobile laboratory, while the UN Country Team collected financial contributions from seven UN organizations towards its purchase. The Ministry of Health also contributed more than $215,000.