Date: 3–4 September 2025
Location: Virtual
Organized by: WHO regional office and WHO country office for Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), DPR Korea, with support from WHO
Background
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPR Korea) has achieved and maintained a measles, rubella, and polio-free status, representing significant public health milestones. Sustaining these achievements requires strong laboratory-based surveillance systems to ensure early detection, rapid confirmation, and timely response to potential outbreaks.
To support these efforts, WHO in collaboration with MOPH organized a Virtual Training of Trainers (TOT) on laboratory-based surveillance of VPDs. This training aimed to build national capacity, standardize practices, and strengthen alignment with global surveillance networks, including the Global Polio Laboratory Network (GPLN) and global measles-rubella (MR) initiatives. The DPR Korea now joins other SEAR countries in organizing training and building the capacity of master trainers, thereby contributing to the overall strengthening and sustainability of surveillance systems.
Objectives
- Strengthen technical knowledge and laboratory skills in diagnosis and surveillance of measles and rubella.
- Develop a cadre of national trainers to cascade knowledge to provincial and local levels.
- Standardize laboratory practices and reporting to align with international standards.
- Reinforce biosafety and quality assurance measures in line with newly established national laboratory infrastructure.
Key Sessions & Topics
Day 1 – 3 September 2025
- Global and Regional Measles-Rubella update – Dr. Lucky Sangal
- MR Surveillance Guidelines – Dr. Mini P. Singh
- Serology Assay for Case Confirmation & Internal Quality Assurance – Dr. Mini P. Singh
- Supplementary Serology Testing Concepts – Dr. Mini P. Singh
- New Test Algorithm – Dr. Lucky Sangal
- Real-time PCR for Measles and Rubella – Kannikar
Day 2 – 4 September 2025
- Genotype Characterization of Measles and Rubella – Kannikar
- Biosafety Measures and Waste Management – Dr. Mini P. Singh
- External Quality Assurance – Dr. Lucky Sangal
- Standardized Reporting Requirements – Dr. Mini P. Singh
Outcomes
- Enhanced capacity of national trainers to conduct future in-country cascade trainings.
- Improved technical knowledge in serology, PCR techniques, and genotype characterization.
- Reinforcement of biosafety practices and quality assurance protocols.
Strengthened alignment of DPR Korea’s VPD surveillance with global standards, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
Way Forward
- Conduct national-level cascade training sessions to expand knowledge to subnational laboratories.
- Integrate updated MR surveillance guidelines into routine laboratory operations.
- Continue WHO technical support to sustain laboratory quality systems and expand diagnostic capacity.
- Strengthen cross-border collaboration through active participation in GPLN and global MR initiatives.