Dataset Information

Creating a National Specimen Referral System in Guinea: Lessons From Initial Development and Implementation.

ABSTRACT: In the wake of the 2014-2016, West Africa Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak, the Government of Guinea recognized an opportunity to strengthen its national laboratory system, incorporating capacity and investments developed during the response. The Ministry of Health (MOH) identified creation of a holistic, safe, secure, and timely national specimen referral system as a priority for improved detection and confirmation of priority diseases, in line with national Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response guidelines. The project consisted of two parts, each led by different implementing partners working collaboratively together and with the Ministry of Health: the development and approval of a national specimen referral policy, and pilot implementation of a specimen referral system, modeled on the policy, in three prefectures. This paper describes the successful execution of the project, highlighting the opportunities and challenges of building sustainable health systems capacity during and after public health emergencies, and provides lessons learned for strengthening national capabilities for surveillance and disease diagnosis.

SUBMITTER: Standley CJ

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6499205 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Creating a National Specimen Referral System in Guinea: Lessons From Initial Development and Implementation.

Standley Claire J CJ Muhayangabo Rigo R Bah Mamadou S MS Barry Alpha M AM Bile Ebi E Fischer Julie E JE Heegaard Will W Koivogui Lamine L Lakiss Said K SK Sorrell Erin M EM VanSteelandt Amanda A Dahourou Anicet G AG Martel Lise D LD

Frontiers in public health 20190416

In the wake of the 2014-2016, West Africa Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak, the Government of Guinea recognized an opportunity to strengthen its national laboratory system, incorporating capacity and investments developed during the response. The Ministry of Health (MOH) identified creation of a holistic, safe, secure, and timely national specimen referral system as a priority for improved detection and confirmation of priority diseases, in line with national Integrated Disease Surveillance an ...[more]

PMID: 31111025

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Dataset Information

Creating a National Specimen Referral System in Guinea: Lessons From Initial Development and Implementation.

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Creating a National Specimen Referral System in Guinea: Lessons From Initial Development and Implementation.

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