The Ministry of Health (MoH) has inked an agreement with CDC Africa on the construction of 15 standard medical laboratories at a cost of 7.2 billion Birr secured from World  Bank in the form of loan and donation. 

Part of this agreement, nine laboratory projects will be undertaken in six regions located in Borena, Yabelo, Debre Berhan, Metema, Jinka, Dolo Ado, Gode, Aledar, and Gambella cities. 

The construction of these projects that costs 571 million Birr will be completed by July 2023. 

Inking the agreement on Thursday, MoH Minister Lia Tadesse (PhD) said  expanding health infrastructures is part of the national directives intended to improve country’s health system.

It is in this case that the government is working with CDC Africa to build country’s capacity to prevent and control diseases, she stated. 

The agreement will enable the country expand modern medical laboratories vital to identify and respond properly to communicable diseases, the minister added.

 The project packs a range constructions and expansions of laboratories and other health facilities at federal and regional level in the next five years, according Lia. 

Accordingly, some 15 standard medical laboratories including Biosaftey Level 3 laboratory will be constructed in Addis Ababa, Oromia, Amhara, SNNPs, Somali, Benishangulgumuz, Tigray, Afar and Gambella states.

In addition, the construction of eleven floor drug store, and laboratory equipment restoration centre will be undertaken in this project, she noted.