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About our Work:
Laboratory Capacity Building (Last Updated: January 2005) |
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Many laboratories in developing countries find it difficult to build and
maintain
the capacity required for effective diagnosis, monitoring, and surveillance of
HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Even in
established
laboratories, obtaining and evaluating necessary supplies and implementing
quality assurance activities, continue to be challenges.
Retaining skilled staff is also often a serious problem. In many cases the rate
of laboratory personnel turnover requires constant training of new staff to
rebuild
the needed expertise.
To ensure quality laboratory support, laboratory assistance programs must
address regional variation of HIV epidemics. TB is a major opportunistic
infection
among persons with AIDS, and laboratory support for TB management
and prevention is essential. Evidence shows STIs may increase risk for
HIV infection by as much as five-fold. Early detection and treatment of TB
and STIs along with routine public health surveillance are vital components of
a comprehensive HIV control and prevention program.
The U.S. Government (USG) through the Global AIDS Program (GAP) works
with host countries to create individualized laboratory support plans to
strengthen quality assurance, and assist laboratories to obtain necessary
supplies and equipment.
In Guyana, with USG funding, GAP... provides technical assistance to
improve quality assurance standards in laboratories.
In Haiti, with USG funding, GAP... works with laboratories to strengthen
HIV and STI diagnostic capabilities and improve quality control procedures.
In Mozambique, with USG funding, GAP... helps implement accurate,
reliable, low cost, and easy-to-use procedures for rapid testing in the
voluntary
counseling and testing settings.
Building laboratory capacity is a key component of the Global AIDS Program
(GAP).
GAP's laboratory assistance includes:
- point-of-service diagnostic support
- training for quality assurance
- assistance obtaining equipment, reagents, and other critical supplies
More information on CDC's international
laboratory activities...
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