ASMARA, Eritrea — Eritrea is strengthening its public-health capacity through expanded use of genomic sequencing technology at the National Health Laboratory.

The technology allows specialists to analyse pathogens in greater detail, helping health authorities identify how diseases evolve, detect treatment resistance and improve disease surveillance. WHO reported the development in July 2026.

The laboratory has begun applying its new capabilities to malaria and bacteria linked to urinary-tract infections and neonatal sepsis. Early analyses have already generated information on resistance patterns that was previously unavailable nationally.

The new capacity could help doctors and health authorities make faster, better-informed treatment decisions, particularly when infections do not respond to commonly used medicines.

Since 2024, WHO support has included specialised equipment, laboratory supplies and intensive training. Fifteen professionals from Eritrea’s health and agriculture ministries have received genomic-sequencing training.

The National Health Laboratory coordinates a network of more than 77 laboratories across Eritrea, giving the new technology potential importance beyond Asmara.

Eritrea is now working to expand genomic sequencing to additional priority diseases and strengthen antimicrobial-resistance surveillance.

The investment represents an important step toward building stronger disease detection, laboratory diagnostics and health-security capabilities in Eritrea.