LocationsGovernment, UNDP Launch $1.7M Aweil Reference Lab, Solar System, and Incinerator funded by Global Fund
August 17, 2026
Government and UNDP officials officially launch the Aweil Regional Reference Laboratory to strengthen health services delivery.
In a bid to strengthen South Sudan’s health security, diagnostic capacity, and waste management, the Ministry of Health and the UNDP inaugurated and handed over the Aweil Regional Reference Laboratory, equipped with a new 150 kWp solar power system and a modern incinerator at Aweil State Hospital.
Financed by the Global Fund’s COVID-19 Response Mechanism (C19RM) grant, these $1.7 million investments were delivered through a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Health and UNDP. Situated in Aweil, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, the facility fills a vital laboratory infrastructure gap for the state and the Greater Bahr el Ghazal region.
The Aweil Regional Reference Lab fills a vital laboratory infrastructure gap for the state and the broader Greater Bahr el Ghazal region
Amid increased population movements including the influx of refugees and displaced persons from neighboring Sudan, these facilities provide vital health services and strengthen the capacity to detect and respond to public health threats. Built to modern diagnostic standards, the laboratory is equipped with advanced testing machinery, specialized instruments, and complete workstations.
Climate-Resilient Health Infrastructure
The solar system ensures uninterrupted, clean, and reliable energy for 24-hour laboratory and hospital operations.
To overcome chronic power instability and eliminate operational downtime, the facility is installed with a 150 kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system coupled with a 200-kWh battery storage system ensuring uninterrupted, clean, and reliable energy for 24-hour laboratory and hospital operations. These investments are complimented by a medical incinerator for the safe disposal of medical, pharmaceutical and hazardous waste.
Dignitaries and High-Level Ceremony
The laboratory is equipped with advanced testing machinery, and complete workstations.
The commissioning event brought together key national, state, humanitarian and community leaders. They include; Hon. Luke Thompson Thoan Teny (Minister of Health), H.E Dr. Tong Lual Ayat, (Deputy Governor of Northern Bahr El Ghazal State), Hon. Dr. Oromo Francis Seriano, (Undersecretary, Ministry of Health) and Mrs. Sheila Ngatia, (UNDP Deputy Resident Representative – Programmes.) Others were; Hon. Dr. Riiny Riny Lual, State Minister of Health, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State, Dr. Gregory Wani, (Director General of Laboratory and Diagnostic services), Dr. Nguach Aguot Aguot, (Medical Director, Aweil State Hospital) and Deng Angok Apin, (Sultan, Aweil town.)
Strategic Partnership Insights
Government, UNDP and community leaders during the inauguration ceremony.
Today, we celebrate more than the opening of a new building. We celebrate a strategic investment in South Sudan's health security, resilience, emergency preparedness and sustainable development, said Mrs. Sheila Ngatia, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative – Programmes.
Mrs. Ngatia also thanked the Global Fund for the financial support and reiterated UNDP’s commitment to supporting the Government in building resilient health systems that can respond to both routine health needs and public health emergencies.
The modern laboratory equipment will improve diagnostic capacity and inform treatment options and outcomes.
On his part, Hon. Luke Thompson Teny Thoan, National Minister of Health said, “This milestone reflects the stability and peace we continue to foster in Northern Bahr El Ghazal—a peace that influenced our decision to locate these critical investments here in Aweil. UNDP has honored its responsibility, delivering this facility to 100 percent of what was expected.” He called for proper stewardship and maintenance of the investments, “Now, the fundamental responsibility shifts to us. As the Ministry of Health, our duty is to sustain this facility, while the ultimate stewardship rests with the local government and leadership of Mading Aweil,” the Minister said.
Big smiles for big progress! Government and UNDP officials and healthcare leaders during the grand opening of the Aweil Regional Reference Laboratory—a momentous step forward in strengthening regional diagnostic capabilities.
Hon. Dr. Francis Oromo Seriano, Undersecretary, Ministry of Health said that the lab is larger in scale than the National Public Health Laboratory in Juba noting that the investments are a game-changer in Aweil given its strategic location along the country’s northern corridor,
“Because this facility sits along an active corridor with high population movement, it will serve as an essential defense shield. Beyond immediate diagnostics, this laboratory will serve Universities and regional research institutions—we may very well discover new medical breakthroughs or identify emerging diseases right here.”
Safe waste management in action! The newly installed medical incinerator ensures proper waste management and protects community health.
He also called for the proper maintenance of the investments for posterity, “UNDP and the Global Fund have delivered the infrastructure; now, the local community and leadership must protect and maintain this asset.” Dr. Oromo added that the construction is part of a broader effort to decentralize health services, adding that UNDP is currently building a similar facility in Yambio, also funded by the Global Fund.
The commissioning of the new facilities marked a vital step forward in healthcare diagnostic services and public safety.
Similarly, Hon. Dr. Riiny Riiny Lual, State Minister of Health, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State said that the investments will minimize clinical disruptions and guarantee 24-hour delivery of essential health services at Aweil State Hospital.
“We are equally grateful for the prioritization of Aweil State Hospital for the installation of the specialized medical incinerator. Safe, systematic disposal of healthcare waste is essential for infection prevention and control, environmental protection, and elevating the overall quality of care for our people.”