Asmara—Eritrea’s National Health Laboratory is strengthening its genomic sequencing capacity to improve disease surveillance and generate critical scientific data for public health. This technology enables scientists to analyse viruses, bacteria and parasites in depth, helping them better understand how pathogens evolve, detect antimicrobial and drug resistance, and guide public health interventions more effectively.
Behind this progress are teams of scientists who are building these new capacities every day. Among them is Mansoura Saeed, a molecular biology specialist at the National Health Laboratory. Recruited in 2014, she later received a scholarship to pursue a master's degree in biochemistry before returning to the laboratory, where she now applies her expertise in strengthening national molecular biology capacity.
“Sequencing allows us to better understand the organisms that cause diseases and identify resistance to certain treatments,” explains Saeed. “This information helps us improve patient care and inform public health decision-making.”
Beyond the laboratory, this technology has practical applications. For patients experiencing recurring infections, genomic sequencing can help identify the specific pathogen responsible for the illness and determine which treatments are most likely to be effective. This helps avoid the repeated use of medicines to which pathogens may already be resistant.
Before the introduction of genomic sequencing, the National Health Laboratory already conducted molecular testing for several diseases, including HIV, hepatitis and COVID-19. However, some advanced analyses still had to be referred to international reference laboratories, resulting in longer turnaround time for results.
Since 2024, with support from World Health Organization (WHO), the laboratory has strengthened its capacity through the acquisition of specialized equipment, reagents and consumables, as well as intensive training designed to build national expertise in genomic sequencing and data analysis. A total of 15 professionals, 13 from the Ministry of Health and two from the Ministry of Agriculture, have been trained.
“The training combined theory and practice,” says Saeed. “We worked through every step, from sample preparation to data analysis, which enabled us to acquire the skills needed to use this technology independently.”
Teams are already applying these new skills in practice. Initial work focuses on malaria, as well as bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections and neonatal sepsis, two areas where treatment resistance is an increasing concern in the country.
These analyses have identified resistance patterns to certain treatments and generated data that were previously unavailable at the national level. The findings are helping improve treatment selection, strengthen antimicrobial resistance surveillance and guide health programmes.
According to Dr Saleh Mohammed Said, Acting Director of the National Health Laboratory, these new capabilities significantly strengthen the country’s preparedness for health threats. “We are now better equipped to detect emerging and re-emerging diseases and generate the data we need to act quickly when necessary,” he says.
The National Health Laboratory plays a central role in Eritrea’s health system. It coordinates a network of more than 77 laboratories across the country, oversees quality assurance activities and supports the introduction of new diagnostic technologies.
During a visit to the National Health Laboratory in June 2026, Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, welcomed the progress achieved and highlighted the importance of locally generated scientific data. “Data produced in laboratories tell us which microbes are circulating, help us identify treatment resistance and enable us to make better decisions to protect populations. This is how we strengthen epidemic preparedness and health security in Africa,” he says.
Beyond equipment, the initiative has helped build sustainable national expertise. Teams are now working to expand the use of genomic sequencing to other priority diseases, particularly in antimicrobial resistance, while further strengthening data analysis capacity to respond more rapidly to future health threats.
“Strengthening national capacity is not only about introducing new technologies. It is also about developing the expertise that will enable the country to respond to the health challenges of today and tomorrow,” says Dr Mary Stephen, WHO Representative in Eritrea.
This new capability marks the beginning of a new chapter for Saeed. “When my work helps improve patient care or supports health authorities in making better decisions, I know that my efforts are making a real difference,” she concludes.
