Eritrea is strengthening its health-care system with new genomic sequencing capacity designed to improve the detection and monitoring of infectious diseases inside the country.

According to the UN Eritrea Annual Results Report, Eritrea established its first in-country genomic sequencing capability, allowing national scientists to analyse viruses and bacteria without sending samples abroad.

The new capacity has trained 15 Eritrean specialists to conduct genomic sequencing and interpret the resulting data. The technology can help health authorities track how pathogens change and provide more accurate information during disease outbreaks.

The development is part of broader efforts to strengthen Eritrea’s public-health surveillance and emergency response systems. Faster laboratory analysis can give health officials more time to identify emerging threats and respond before they spread widely.

For Eritrea, bringing genomic testing capacity inside the country could mark an important step toward a more self-reliant and technologically advanced health-care system.