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Laboratory Systems and Networks

Africa CDC is supporting the institution of patient-centred integrated point-of-care diagnostic testing for syndromic management and surveillance at the community level.

IMG-20190731-WA0003

Goal

Strengthened clinical and public health laboratory systems and networks through continued improvements in workforce competency to assure quality and safety. 

Strategic Objectives

  1. Support countries and regions to map existing laboratory systems to defined requirements of a tiered national laboratory system (specifically quality, standards and biosafety), and networks (with specific linkages to disease surveillance and clinical care for both public and private sectors. 
  2. Assist countries in developing comprehensive national laboratory strategic and implementation plans and enabling policies, which include regulations of laboratory diagnostic testing and secure and safe handling of highly dangerous pathogens. 
  3. Support Africa CDC RCCs and national-level laboratory networks to implement modern advanced molecular technologies and multiplex pathogen assays. 
  4. Support the introduction of a patient-centred approach for integrated point-of-care diagnostic testing for syndromic management and surveillance at the community level. 
  5. Develop and manage strain banks as repositories for diagnostics and vaccine development for emerging and re-emerging pathogens.
  6. Support laboratory workforce development, which may include the creation of a field laboratory training programme.

Sub-Programmes

Advancing Use of Laboratory Diagnostics

Africa CDC and partners launched the Africa Collaborative Initiative to Advance Diagnostics in 2018 to promote the diagnostic agenda in Africa through better-coordinated and synergized efforts.

Africa Collaborative Initiative to Advance Diagnostics

AFCAD supports efforts to enable all Member States to achieve equitable access to health, including essential diagnostics as defined by WHO.

Biosafety and Biosecurity

Initiative to strengthen the biosecurity and biosafety systems of African Union Member States to comply with the International Health Regulations.

Geo-Mapping of Laboratory Capacity

Africa CDC is partnering with the African Society for Laboratory Medicine to map laboratory capacities in Africa and to train national experts in laboratory mapping data collection, analysis and visualization.

Laboratory Quality Management Systems

Africa CDC is working with different partners to advance laboratory quality management system in Africa.

National Laboratory Strategic Planning

Engaging African Union Member States to strengthen their laboratory systems and networks through the development and implementation of national laboratory strategic plans.

Pan-African Consortium

PAC assists supported countries to advance and sustain access to quality-assured HIV laboratory services.