LocationsLaunch of Public Health Laboratory in Gaza Province to Enhance National Health Resilience
April 25, 2025
Xai-Xai, Gaza Province – 25 April 2025 – A new Public Health Laboratory was inaugurated in Xai-Xai, Gaza Province, marking a significant step towards decentralizing and strengthening national laboratory diagnostic capacity.
Laboratory construction was carried out by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Ministry of Health (MISAU) and the National Institute of Health (INS) with funding from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
“These clinics are equipped with the capacity to meet the demand. Today, the province has become self-sufficient. With the inauguration of this laboratory, Mozambique becomes the only African country with laboratories in all provinces. This laboratory is equipped with skilled human resources. This combination of modern technology and qualified technicians is capable of meeting the country’s needs. We once again appeal to all laboratory professionals to take good care of the assets.” said Dr Ussene Isse, Minister of Health
The project integrates technologies that enhance the facility’s sustainability and resilience. Key features include renewable energy sources, a reliable water supply system, an internal data network, security systems, green healthcare practices and inclusive design elements that promote the safety and well-being of women and ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities.
“This laboratory is not only a milestone in Mozambique’s public health system, but a clear example of how resilient infrastructure is central to sustainable development,” said Edo Stork, UNDP Resident Representative in Mozambique. “These facilities are not only durable but also strengthen the health system’s resilience and its ability to adapt and provide essential services during future crises.”
The new facility is part of the National Public Health Laboratory Network—one per pvince—designed to serve as a decentralized diagnostic backbone for the early detection of outbreaks and epidemics, contributing to more effective responses in the prevention, control and mitigation of public health threats.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought important lessons and prompted greater collaboration and investment in critical areas to strengthen health systems and pandemic preparedness. Yet, the world continues to face multiple crises—including conflicts, climate emergencies, and disease outbreaks—that disrupt health systems and reverse progress in health and development. In this context, Mozambique’s investment in public health infrastructure is both timely and vital.
The Gaza Provincial Public Health Laboratory will play a key role in disease surveillance, diagnostics and emergency preparedness, serving as a reference centre for the province. It is also equipped to provide support to neighbouring provinces, including Inhambane and Maputo, when necessary. By increasing diagnostic efficiency at the subnational level, the laboratory upholds citizens’ right to access timely, high-quality treatment and care.
As part of the Health System Strengthening project, in addition to public health laboratories, UNDP collaborates with MISAU and the Global Fund on other infrastructure investments to strengthen capabilities for health research and data management. These include building, rehabilitating and equipping five regional INS centres, a Genomic Surveillance Centre and a Bioinformatics Centre at INS Headquarters.
Building on this partnership, UNDP Mozambique has also been mobilizing additional resources for health, including from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and UNDP core resources.
UNDP’s commitment to supporting Mozambique in realizing the 2030 Agenda remains steadfast. The organization continues to expand its collaboration with partners across sectors to jointly build resilient and sustainable systems for health, grounded in equity, accessibility and innovation.
For more information, please contact:
Manuel Mabuiangue, Strategic Partnerships and Communications Analyst, manuel.mabuiangue@undp.org
About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.
Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP.
About UNDP’s partnership with the Global Fund’
UNDP partners with the Global Fund, governments and civil society to end HIV, tuberculosis and malaria and achieve a more equitable, healthier and sustainable future. The partnership strengthens national capacities to deliver essential health services, leave no one behind and build stronger and more resilient systems for health, including in countries facing insecurity, crisis or other capacity constraints. Learn more here.
