Assessing Preparedness of LabCoP Countries Towards Response to Outbreaks

Preparedness is an important aspect that determines the effectiveness of an outbreak response. Preparedness refers to a continuous process of anticipating emergency events and putting in place mechanisms to prevent or mitigate unwanted outcomes before emergencies occur. This includes building or strengthening existing capacities and allocating resources towards responding to and mitigating the outbreak effects. The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routine diagnostics, indicating a sub-optimal state of preparedness, as most resources were re-purposed to support the response. While most countries eventually responded successfully to the pandemic, there is a need for them to be better prepared in case of a subsequent outbreak in the future. Fast forward to today, there is an ongoing outbreak of mpox virus, with confirmed cases across several countries, leading to its classification as a disease of global health concern by both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While the response to this outbreak is relatively better based on lessons learned during the COVID-19 outbreak, some gaps still exist as indicated by the spread of mpox across borders. Such a situation makes it a good time to assess country preparedness towards meeting the international health regulation (IHR) targets.

The African Society for Laboratory Medicine’s (ASLM) Laboratory Systems Strengthening Community of Practice (LabCoP) is currently using the Laboratory Network (LabNet) scorecard to measure the functionality of national laboratory networks and systems of seven countries (Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, South Sudan and Uganda) from the perspective of their capacity to respond to infectious disease threats according to the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) and the International Health Regulations (IHR2005) using the One Health concept.

GHSA initiatives include 11 action packages, which have been translated into nine core laboratory capabilities. The assessment process is in the form of a workshop conducted at the national level with a multi-disciplinary and multisectoral team comprising representatives from the ministry of health, professional order/council in the laboratory sector, directors of national reference laboratories, the private sector, animal health sector, environmental health sector, ministry of education, and other relevant laboratory stakeholders.

The semi-quantitative scores obtained through consensus and based on evidence are used to identify key areas of improvement. The assessment also addresses critical requirements of universal health coverage. The LabNet scorecard and assessment process will be used to monitor the performance of national laboratory systems and networks across Africa over time, providing participating countries with measurable data that can be used to guide their action plans.