Training for laboratory specialists
Training for laboratory specialists is designed to ensure that core public health capacities for laboratory requirements are met in accordance with the International Health Regulations (IHR).
Objectives
Working in collaboration with the WHO Regional Offices, the laboratory specialists training project has the following objectives: to foster good public health laboratory practices, reduce the gap between field epidemiology and diagnostic laboratory services; build connectivity and facilitate long-term national commitment to public health laboratories.
Main activities
Focus on the needs in countries: following an orientation session and with the assistance of WHO, participants prepare an in-depth analysis of the needs of their national referral laboratory and a plan of action to address these needs, to be validated by their national health authority.
Active learning and training for action: training sessions are built on computer-based epidemiology and laboratory case studies. An active learning approach is encouraged, including brainstorming, role play and self-directed learning. Regular in-country visits and distance follow-up through the Internet portal help participants to implement activities.
Follow-up activities in countries: these activities, which are developed according to the agreed plan of action include: training for laboratory staff, supervision visits and assessments of public health laboratories, production of Standardized Operating Procedures, working for integration of laboratories within national surveillance networks. Continuous distance follow-up and support is provided.
Milestones
- development of training modules: Total Quality Management in collaboration with CDC and Reference ISO working groups, Non-biological management of laboratories, Disease-specific integrated case-studies based on real epidemic outbreaks, Biosafety in laboratories;
- 30 countries from 4 different regions engaged in laboratory capacity development: Central and Western Africa (French speaking), Middle East, Eastern Europe;
- trained senior biologists organized training sessions in their respective countries for more than 3000 technical staff on Biosafety, Quality Control and specific diagnostic tests; at least 300 supervision visits were made to central and peripheral laboratories;
- new training modules field-tested on: Assessment of capacities and the Role of laboratories in IHR Implementation.
Other activities
- ongoing collaboration with international networks and associated institutes;
- participation in development of modules for the Erasmus Mundus programme on Total Quality Management, in collaboration with the European Master of Science Programme in International Health (Trop Ed).
Contact
Dr Sebastien Cognat, WHO Lyon Office
E-mail: cognats@lyon.who.int