Global consultation on the provision of external quality assessment programmes for emerging and high-threat pathogens: meeting report, June 2025

Overview

This report summarizes the outcomes of a global consultation convened by WHO in June 2025 to address challenges and opportunities in the provision of external quality assessment (EQA) programmes for emerging and high-threat pathogens. Bringing together a broad range of stakeholders, the consultation aimed to assess the current landscape of EQA availability, drawing on a recent WHO landscape analysis, identify barriers to access and sustainability, and explore strategies to strengthen coordination and capacity across laboratory systems.

Structured around four thematic sessions, the report covers key areas including programme design and implementation, management of complex collaborations, technical considerations, and the use of EQA results to strengthen laboratory performance and inform public health action. It highlights persistent challenges such as limited availability of programmes for certain pathogens, logistical and regulatory barriers to shipping materials, funding constraints and gaps in technical standards. The consultation also emphasizes the importance of integrating EQA within broader health system and emergency preparedness frameworks. Intended for laboratory specialists, programme managers, policy-makers and partners, the report outlines priority actions and proposes the establishment of a global forum to enhance collaboration, promote best practices and support a more coordinated and sustainable global EQA ecosystem.