Abu Dhabi Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory Joins WHO Global Network for Measles and Rubella Monitoring
In a significant milestone for the UAE’s public health sector, the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) announced that its Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, located at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, has been officially accredited by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the national laboratory for measles and rubella surveillance.
The accreditation places Abu Dhabi’s laboratory within the WHO global network of laboratories, strengthening international collaboration to monitor, detect, and control both diseases while supporting worldwide elimination efforts.
The recognition reflects Abu Dhabi’s growing contribution to global health security and acknowledges the emirate’s capabilities in accurate disease detection, rapid response readiness, and advanced public health surveillance systems.
The accreditation followed a comprehensive external assessment conducted by WHO specialists, evaluating the laboratory’s quality performance, biosafety protocols, and diagnostic accuracy. The successful review confirms compliance with the highest international standards in infectious disease diagnostics.
The laboratory uses advanced serological and molecular diagnostic technologies that accelerate case identification, improve surveillance effectiveness, and enable more informed public health decision-making.
Operating within Abu Dhabi’s connected smart healthcare ecosystem, the laboratory transforms diagnostic intelligence into actionable insights that support early detection, coordinated response mechanisms, and strengthened preparedness against health threats. These capabilities are integrated through the Unified Medical Operations Command Center and other relevant authorities.
Commenting on the achievement, Dr Rashid Al Suwaidi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, stated that the accreditation demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision of creating a proactive and highly resilient healthcare system capable of safeguarding communities.
He added that joining the global measles and rubella laboratory network reinforces Abu Dhabi’s role as a trusted international partner in disease surveillance and emergency response efforts, while contributing to a healthier and more resilient future.
This latest recognition builds on the laboratory’s existing credentials, as it is already recognised by the WHO as a National Influenza Centre, reflecting continued advancement in genomic sequencing, laboratory innovation, and infectious disease monitoring.
Through sustained investment in laboratory infrastructure, national talent development, and future-ready healthcare capabilities, Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen a responsive public health model that enhances community wellbeing and contributes to both regional and global health resilience.
