UMTH and WHO Unveil Advanced National Polio Laboratory and Genomic Sequencing Facility
UMTH and WHO Unveil Advanced National Polio Laboratory and Genomic Sequencing Facility
UmarFarouk123 
The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), has officially commissioned a newly upgraded Diagnostic Laboratory featuring a cutting-edge Genomic Sequencing Facility.
The project serves as a critical recovery milestone following the devastating 2024 Maiduguri flood disaster, which damaged previous infrastructure. The revamped facility now boasts state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, a dedicated solar power system, and advanced ICT integration.
The Chief Medical Director of UMTH, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, described the laboratory as a strategic asset that serves ten states across Northern Nigeria. He expressed deep appreciation to the WHO for its unwavering commitment to strengthening the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities.
Speaking on behalf of the WHO Country Representative, Dr. Alexander Wimbaw noted that the Maiduguri National Polio Laboratory is now among the elite facilities in Nigeria capable of high-throughput genomic sequencing. This technology allows health experts to track virus mutations and outbreaks with pinpoint accuracy.
Professor Marycelin Mandu Baba, Director of the WHO Polio Laboratory at UMTH, added that the upgrade—including the new ICT and solar infrastructure—restores the lab's ability to perform routine diagnostics while expanding its capacity for advanced genetic research.
