Report first meeting of the European Region laboratory task force for high threat pathogens: Vienna, Austria, 26–27 February 2020

Обзор

International networks for laboratory surveillance, preparedness and response are an important tool for laboratory strengthening, because they can serve both as a platform for sharing information and expertise, and as a system for the referral of diagnostic specimens for primary and confirmatory testing. Among the European Region priority countries of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme a number do not participate in international laboratory preparedness and response networks for High Threat Pathogens (‎HTPs)‎, which represents a key gap. To address this gap, the WHO Regional Office for Europe is establishing the European Regional Laboratory Task Force for High Threat Pathogens (‎Lab Task Force)‎. This was the first official meeting of the Lab Task Force’s members and partners and the opportunity to provide information on COVID-19 virus globally and in the Region, including laboratory readiness, was taken.