WHO Restores Sudan’s National Polio Laboratory, Boosting Local Testing

The World Health Organization re‑established Sudan’s National Polio Laboratory in Port Sudan in June 2026, after supplying equipment, reagents and training. The lab began testing stool samples from acute flaccid paralysis cases in July, ending a period when all samples were shipped to Egypt’s VACSERA reference lab. For the next twelve months, Sudan will run parallel tests with VACSERA to verify quality and trace virus origins, while wastewater testing remains at VACSERA until the local facility expands. The move restores laboratory capacity that was disrupted by the 2023 conflict and positions Sudan to meet WHO accreditation standards. The Federal Ministry of Health and WHO will continue technical and financial support to strengthen surveillance and ensure rapid detection and response to poliovirus.