Benghazi, 29 September 2025 – A modern veterinary laboratory was officially inaugurated today in Benghazi as part of the initiative “LSD – Intervention in Libya for the control of Lumpy Skin Disease AID 013127”, funded by the Italian Cooperation. The laboratory is the result of a collaboration between local authorities, health institutions, international partners (the Centre International des Hautes Etudes Agronomiques Méditerranéennes of Bari – CIHEAM Bari) and the Experimental Zoo prophylactic Institute of Teramo (IZS Teramo).
This facility will serve as an important reference point for the monitoring, diagnosis, and prevention of animal diseases in eastern Libya.

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, local officials, veterinarians, international experts, and members of the community. The initiative is part of a broader plan to strengthen veterinary public health systems and improve food security in the country.

Advanced infrastructure
The laboratory is equipped with modern instruments for microbiological, serological, and molecular analysis, and will be capable of diagnosing infectious animal diseases, particularly Lumpy Skin Disease, which poses a threat to both livestock and the rural economy.
“Animal health is a key component of public health. This laboratory will enable faster and more accurate responses to health emergencies, helping protect livestock, the population, and the local economy,” said Dr. Mohammed, Director of the National Center of Animal Health.

A Regional Impact
In addition to serving the city of Benghazi, the laboratory will provide diagnostic support to neighboring provinces, contributing to the creation of a more efficient and coordinated veterinary network. Training programs for local veterinary staff will also be launched to ensure high standards and long-term sustainability.

International Cooperation
The project was carried out with financial support from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). AICS is committed to strengthening health systems in developing countries by providing materials, specialized training, and technical-scientific support.
Programmatically and operationally, the initiative fits fully within the framework of the Italian Cooperation’s strategy in Libya, which includes numerous actions supporting the agricultural sector, adopting an integrated humanitarian–development–peace nexus approach aimed at contributing to the stabilization process of the country.

Looking A head
With the opening of this laboratory, Benghazi is poised to become a reference hub for veterinary health in Libya. Authorities have expressed their intention to further expand the services offered, including research activities and quality control of animal-origin products intended for human consumption.
Today’s inauguration thus marks a moment of hope and renewal for the local veterinary sector, in a context still marked by post-conflict reconstruction challenges.