Health 14 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
US Funds Modern Lab Upgrade at Kaabong Hospital to Enhance Disease Detection in Karamoja
A new US-funded laboratory at Kaabong General Hospital in Uganda's Karamoja region will boost diagnostic capabilities for diseases like HIV, TB, and malaria. The $400,000 facility promises faster testing and better health surveillance in underserved areas. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/us-funded-lab-boosts-disease-diagnosis-capacity-in-karamoja-5423320
Uganda has launched a state-of-the-art laboratory at Kaabong General Hospital to improve disease diagnosis in the remote Karamoja sub-region.
Funded by the United States Department of State with approximately $400,000 (Shs1.5 billion), the lab enhances testing for HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and maternal health issues.
The facility now handles around 62,000 tests yearly, covering hematology, immunology, molecular diagnostics, parasitology, serology, microbiology, and clinical chemistry. It features advanced US equipment like GeneXpert for TB and Alere PIMA for viral load monitoring.
Mary Borgman, Global Health Diplomacy Director at the US Embassy, highlighted the lab as proof of America’s dedication to global health security through stronger health systems.
The upgrade offers more space for equipment, quicker results, and scalability. It also bolsters disease surveillance and emergency responses in Kaabong and nearby Karenga districts.
The US Embassy stressed the need for ongoing Ugandan funding to maintain the lab, with the Ministry of Health providing oversight and the district handling daily operations.
This initiative supports wider efforts to fortify health services in Uganda’s isolated areas.
Source: Daily Monitor