In April 2025, Uganda successfully piloted the World Health Organization’s (WHO) new Global Laboratory Recognition Programme. During a Sudan virus disease (SVD) outbreak, two of its national laboratories were assessed and achieved outstanding scores of 85–100%, confirming their high level of competence and adherence to global standards. This outcome validates Uganda’s position as a technical leader in regional health security, demonstrating its advanced capabilities in epidemic preparedness and genomic surveillance. The WHO is now using the critical feedback from this successful trial to help shape and finalise a standardised global framework that aims to strengthen trust in laboratory systems and improve the collective response to epidemics worldwide.
Giuseppe Arcidiacono
