With funding from the European Union (EU), the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with the South Sudan Ministry of Health has trained over 50 health workers in Juba on principles of COVID-19 infection prevention and control (IPC) measures in the laboratory.
The training focused on imparting competencies on universal precautions and safe handling, segregation, disinfection and disposal of infectious and hazardous laboratory waste. The participants were also familiarized with the current WHO IPC guidelines for managing COVID-19 samples in the laboratory. A desk review identified gaps and trainees developed action plans to improve IPC practices in their respective laboratories.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak was declared in South Sudan, surge laboratory personnel have been engaged to support the additional testing needs in the National Public Health Laboratory. An increase in the number of personnel and samples to be tested has meant an increase in the transmission risk level.
Enhancing the knowledge of health workers who collect, or transport and test COVID-19 samples helps minimize the possibility of exposure. Since the beginning of the outbreak, 118 health workers have been infected in South Sudan.
WHO supports the Ministry of Health as part of the ongoing national efforts to build and strengthen the capacity of laboratories to test and report results in a safe, secure, timely and reliable manner for outbreaks and other health emergencies.