Korea–Uganda Collaboration Strengthens Laboratory Systems and Disease Response
29/10/202: Kampala.
The National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services (NHLDS) has hosted a high-level delegation from the Republic of South Korea, led by Deputy Ambassador to Uganda H.E. Choi Heejo, accompanied by Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) Country Representative Mr. Dohoon Kim.
The visit was part of a project monitoring mission to assess the progress of the Strengthening Health Systems to Prevent, Detect, and Respond to Infectious Diseases Project, the department is implementing through KOFIH along side the Uganda National Institute of Public Health (UNIPH) and the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC).
Since its launch in 2022, the project has significantly enhanced Uganda’s capacity to prevent and respond to infectious disease outbreaks and has registered key achievements;
National Milestone: The Central Public Health Laboratories (CERSL) has been recommended for ISO 15189 accreditation
ISO Accreditation: Gombe and Rakai Hospital Laboratories successfully achieved ISO certification.
Accreditation Pipeline: Lyantonde Hospital Laboratory is being fast-tracked for international accreditation.
Improved Turnaround Time: Laboratory result turnaround reduced from 12 days to 5 days.
Capacity Building: Non-laboratory staff trained to enhance point-of-care testing and strengthen community-level diagnostics.
Reduced Equipment Downtime: Ensuring uninterrupted laboratory operations.
Digital Integration: The LabXpert Information Management System expanded to include Mpox and Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) data.
Enhanced Surveillance: Strengthened sample tracking and outbreak response systems now monitor specimens from collection to testing.
Deputy Ambassador H.E. Choi Heejo commended the progress made by Uganda through the project, noting that South Korea remains a committed partner in advancing Uganda’s laboratory and diagnostic capabilities.
The partnership between the Government of Uganda and the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) continues to play a vital role in strengthening the country’s laboratory infrastructure, improving disease surveillance, and ensuring timely response to emerging health threats.
About the Project
In partnership with the Ugandan Ministry of Health, the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) is implementing an USD 8 million initiative (2022–2026) to strengthen Uganda’s laboratory systems and enhance the country’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious diseases.
Focused on Central and Southern Uganda, the project is upgrading laboratory infrastructure and expanding Emergency Operations Centres as key hubs for disease surveillance and coordinated emergency response.
Project Scope:
🔹 Strengthening National and Regional Capacity
Supports the Uganda National Institute of Public Health (UNIPH), the National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services (NHLDS), and the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) to improve coordination, data sharing, and outbreak response.
🔹 Infrastructure Development
Includes renovation of laboratories and establishment of new emergency operation centres, boosting the country’s readiness for health emergencies.
🔹 Knowledge Exchange and Technical Collaboration
In August 2023, consultants from Yeungnam University (South Korea) conducted field visits and shared recommendations with the Ministry of Health. The project also facilitates training programs in South Korea for Ugandan laboratory and public health professionals.
🔹 Capacity Building and Human Resource Development
Focuses on training in advanced laboratory diagnostics, quality systems, and operational management. KOFIH has also shown interest in supporting a Health Informatics training track to strengthen digital health data management skills.
🔹 Bilateral Cooperation and Sustainability
Anchored on long-term Uganda–South Korea collaboration, the project promotes mutual learning and shared expertise, building a resilient, self-reliant, and responsive health system for Uganda.
