It will do this by providing a system of fully equipped mobile laboratories and procedures that meet international standards and requirements for biological security and safety, according to officials. All of the teams working in the laboratories will be highly competent and skilled, having undergone training at high-containment facilities in advanced international facilities.

The new Infectious and Communicable Diseases Unit will help improve the Kingdom’s ability to monitor epidemics and the country’s health security, officials said, in keeping with the Public Health Authority’s efforts to “enhance the prevention of health risks,” which is one of the strategic goals of the health sector transformation program, and contribute to the wider objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030 national development and diversification plan.