LABORATORY ACTIVITIES. The S&M Contractor undertakes to provide the following laboratory service on a monthly basis:
LABORATORY ACTIVITIES. Laboratory activities are an integral part of the program. The tools, test equipment, materials, processes and safety practices used in these laboratory activities are similar to those used in industry. The activities provide instruction in maintenance techniques, computer aided drafting/design skills, technical communications, maintenance and operation of various industrial components, quality control and testing, material handling protocols, and proper usage of tools and instrumentation.
LABORATORY ACTIVITIES. Provided assistance to laboratories in the region to switch from serology-based surveillance to molecular methods. • Conducted standardized evaluations of influenza laboratory capabilities in each country by TEPHINET and PAHO experts with the CDC/APHL review tool. • Provided technical assistance to the NIC and decentralized influenza laboratories to update algorithms, SOPs, biosafety guidelines, and contingency plans. • Strengthened electronic laboratory information systems. • Participated in WHO’s External Quality Assessment Project (EQAP)—six NICs and two National Influenza Reference Laboratories. • Processed approximately 20,000 respiratory samples yearly (all influenza laboratories combined). • Assisted the Honduras NIC with calculating the sensitivity and specificity of the immunofluorescence assay. • Participated in ongoing discussions on the possibility of creating a regional reference laboratory and establishing an external quality control program on the immunofluorescence assay in the region. • Provided technical assistance to improve quality of cell culture, influenza virus isolation, and selection of isolates and specimens. PREPAREDNESS All countries in the Central American region already have received recommendations to strengthen their Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) plans based on the results from a core capacity assessment for influenza pandemic preparedness and response conducted in 2014. These recommendations have been useful to help the countries prioritize their activities and identify the necessary resources for implementation. Additionally, COMISCA has developed an informatics platform that will provide updated information to the rapid response teams to better contain infectious diseases of pandemic potential. This tool will allow a more efficient use of training resources and available time of the trainees. Several activities have been coordinated with PAHO to help update the national pandemic preparedness plans in the region. PREPAREDNESS ACTIVITIES • Conducted the core capabilities inventory to respond to influenza pandemic in all eight Central American countries. • Provided support for the development of an electronic platform to provide updated information to the rapid response teams to better contain infectious diseases of pandemic potential. TRAINING • Conducted a regional training workshop to address new WHO influenza surveillance standards and unusual respiratory events surveillance system. • Conducted several hands-on t...
LABORATORY ACTIVITIES. Increased the number of laboratories in the region participating in the WHO External Quality Assurance Programme from 34 in 29 countries in 2007 to 63 in 48 countries in 2014. • Provided support for 28 countries to ship viruses and clinical specimens to the WHO CC in time for the WHO Consultation on the Composition of Influenza Virus Vaccines (VCM) for the Northern Hemisphere 2015–2016 influenza season. Of these, 16 countries used the WHO Shipment Fund Project. • Provided three national trainings on shipping infectious substances; participants were 60 specialists from national, regional, and sub- regional levels and reference laboratories in Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. • Conducted a training course for 17 virologists from the European Region on laboratory preparedness for emerging respiratory pathogens. • Organized and held the training “Introduction to Laboratory Quality Management and the Laboratory Quality Stepwise Implementation (LQSI) tool” for all SEE countries and for all Newly Independent States (NIS). • Organized the WHO course “Strengthening capacities of influenza laboratory experts” for NICs. PREPAREDNESS In the period from October 1, 2013 to September 30, 2015 several outbreaks highlighted the continued importance of pandemic preparedness. The main events during the last two years have been the ongoing outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in the Arabian Peninsula, which exported cases to the WHO European Region; human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) virus infection in China, a country which borders the WHO European Region; a substantial rise in the number of human cases of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection in Egypt; and the largest ever outbreak of Ebola virus in Western Africa, including a number of cases imported to Europe. These outbreaks with their complexities and challenges emphasized the need for WHO and its member states to continue to strengthen core capacities of the International Health Regulations and pandemic preparedness PREPAREDNESS ACTIVITIES • Held critical care training for a total of 140 intensive care clinicians in five countries. • Held a workshop on outbreak response to avian influenza A(H7N9) virus infections and other emerging pathogens in three countries (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan). • Held a Joint ECDC and WHO/Europe Consultation on pandemic and all hazard preparedness in November 2013. • Switzerland and Germany published a revised pandemic preparedness...
LABORATORY ACTIVITIES. Participated in WHO’s External Quality Assessment Project (EQAP) and received a score of 100% on the last panel. • Tested 613 samples, of which 97 (15.8%) were positive for an influenza virus: 38 were influenza A (H3N2) virus, 12 were influenza A (H1N1)pdm09, and 47 were influenza B. • Participated in a laboratory assessment in collaboration with CDC in order to identify strengths and opportunities in the laboratory. • Trained laboratory assistants at the regional laboratories on RT-PCR and influenza virus isolation methods. PREPAREDNESS • Support from CDC has significantly advanced the level of influenza pandemic preparedness and planning. The Department of Disease Prevention and Sanitary Inspection, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health, has begun to develop an operational plan for the health sector in the event of an outbreak of influenza. PREPAREDNESS ACTIVITIES • Organized a round table for leaders of SSES centers to build capacity and help strengthen influenza surveillance at the local level. • Designed and printed pamphlets, checklists for parents, posters, and informational sheets on the main symptoms and tips on prevention to help raise awareness and educate the population of Kyrgyzstan about influenza (24,000 pcs). • Planned exercises to enhance pandemic preparedness with the concerned departments and ministries. • Purchased 343 suits with N-95 masks and glasses which were issued to nine regional centers of the Department of Disease Prevention and Sanitary Inspection. TRAINING • Provided a workshop for 21 health care workers and laboratory staff on biosafety, storage, and transport of samples. • Provided training for nine laboratory experts on the laboratory diagnosis of influenza viruses in Bishkek, Osh, and Chui regions. • Provided training for doctors and epidemiologists at the regional and municipality levels on monitoring, analyzing, and identifying influenza outbreaks. INFLUENZA VACCINE ACTIVITIES A training was organized to prepare doctors and epidemiologists to formulate the number of at-risk groups (i.e. children and patients with heart disease, lung disorders, diabetes, obesity, health workers) in supervised areas. In the event of an influenza outbreak, it is important to understand the number of people at risk that need vaccination. In the near future, a study of the economic impact of influenza will be carried out, with results of the study to be taken into account during the planning and administration phases of future vaccinati...
LABORATORY ACTIVITIES. Deposited 348 viruses in the “Collections of Viruses” located at both NICs. • Published the article, “Influenza surveillance in Russia based on epidemiological and laboratory data, 2005–2012” in the American Journal of Infectious Diseases. PREPAREDNESS The draft Pandemic Preparedness Plan for Russia (PR) was refined and updated, with the completed version set to be submitted to the MoH in September 2015. The capacity to identify novel influenza A viruses of H2, H5, H7, and H9 subtypes as potential pandemic agents was increased by preparing rRT-PCR reagent kits and developing immunological methods for identification of potential novel pandemic influenza A viruses (PPIV). A local rapid-response and containment team (LRT) was assembled to monitor outbreaks and clusters of severe respiratory illness that could indicate the emergence of a new pandemic virus. PREPAREDNESS ACTIVITIES • Developed new laboratory tests including rRT- PCR and immunological methods to be used for investigation of clinical samples from SARI patients and autopsy materials. • Generated hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies for influenza H2, H5, H7, and H9 virus subtypes. • Inactivated influenza H2, H5, H7, and H9 virus subtypes for inclusion in an EQC panel designated as PCR control in RBLs participating in sentinel surveillance. TRAINING The following activities were completed: • Presented six reports (two included data on pandemic preparedness) at the workshop of “Rospotrebnadzor”. • Conducted consultations with both NICs and RBLs virologists. The following activities and trainings were carried out in collaboration with WHO EURO: • Developed guidance on data input in GISRS through TESSy in Russian for NICs in East European countries. • Conducted a two-day TESSy online training for NIC specialists. • Conducted a five-day training in influenza virology at RII with virologists from NICs in East European countries. • Selected six NIC specialists to attend training courses in Netherlands, Greece, Turkey, and Denmark. INFLUENZA VACCINE ACTIVITIES The main groups at risk for influenza-associated SARI, including pregnant women and patients with chronic lung and cardiovascular disease, were identified through the sentinel surveillance system. Recommendations to introduce seasonal influenza vaccination to the identified target groups will be completed. Ascertainment of vaccination status among influenza patients was also added to the sentinel surveillance system. The percent of patients vac...
LABORATORY ACTIVITIES. I understand that during the laboratory experiences I will role-play as both an EMT/PS and a patient. I will be expected to have physical contact with other students while learning various skills and have skills practiced on myself. Examples of such laboratory experiences may include patient exams, splinting, lifting and moving, assessment of vitals, venipuncture, etc. During the laboratory experiences I agree to follow theories and principles of safe, legal and ethical practice. Student Health I agree that I will not knowingly place myself, patients, preceptors or others in an unsafe situation based on my physical, mental, or emotional limitations. I have read the Physical Requirements for an EMT and noted any special requirements. I have read and agree to complete the physical exam and immunizations as required prior to patient contact.
LABORATORY ACTIVITIES. The SM&O Contractor undertakes to provide the following laboratory service on a monthly basis:
LABORATORY ACTIVITIES. Disseminated weekly virological surveillance data through the AFR Influenza Laboratory Network. • Provided essential reagents and supplies to Algeria, Burkina Faso, Central Africa Republic, Republic of Congo, Senegal, and Togo for enhancing and sustaining laboratory testing of ILI and SARI clinical specimens. • Provided financial support to the Democratic Republic of Congo in order to strengthen the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) for enhancing virological influenza surveillance. • Strengthened Zimbabwe’s national influenza reference laboratory with financial support. PREPAREDNESS WHO AFRO in collaboration with WHO Headquarters (HQ) is implementing the laboratory and surveillance component of the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) framework in two selected countries, Ghana and Tanzania. Both countries are focusing on activities aimed at strengthening their capacities to monitor trends in circulating influenza viruses. In addition, Tanzania is also implementing activities aimed at strengthening its national capacity to detect novel influenza viruses. Cameroon and Zambia have recently been recruited to join the PIP implementation project. The overall target is to obtain participation from 11 countries in the WHO African region. Efforts are underway to gain participation from seven more countries: Algeria, Burundi, Congo, Madagascar, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and South Africa. To avoid duplication of efforts, the WHO staff focal point on influenza ensures harmonization of the CDC influenza project and PIP. PREPAREDNESS ACTIVITIES • Ghana and Tanzania—Conducted self-assessment surveys of their influenza laboratory using WHO standardized tools. • Tanzania—Conducted training on influenza specimen collection and shipment for staff in newly established influenza sentinel sites. Procured IT equipment for the Ministry of Health, laboratories, and sentinel sites to enhance data sharing and ensure monitoring and assessment of influenza events of international concern. • Ghana National Influenza Center (NIC)— Supported sub-regional influenza capacity by training two staff members from Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire on influenza virus isolation (18–27 March 2015). • Ghana—Established 24 sentinel sites for influenza surveillance in all regions, between January and April 2015, as part of influenza preparedness. Sent samples from patients with ILI for assessment by the NIC. TRAINING • Participated in and helped facilitate the Influenza Estimating Burden Work...
LABORATORY ACTIVITIES. Shared virological data on circulating influenza viruses with WHO and other interested stakeholders. • Enhanced the capacity of NPHL to test specimens collected at sentinel sites for influenza viruses by training staff and utilizing updated equipment. • Collaborated with CDC and KEMRI on logistics for specimen collection from surveillance sites and shipping to NPHL. PREPAREDNESS • Conducted training on outbreak investigations of MERS-CoV and avian influenza A (H7N9) at our sentinel sites and major hospitals in the Rift Valley, Nairobi, and the Coastal regions. During these trainings, identified points of contact responsible for periodic reports and channels through which specimens from suspected cases are shipped to the KEMRI and CDC laboratories. Brochures and posters were developed to educate the public on these conditions. The posters were strategically placed at Xxxx Xxxxxxxx International Airport and other main entry points, the Ministry of Health (MOH) Headquarters, and the Embassies of Saudi Arabia and China. Investigation of suspected cases reported by the facilities has been coordinated. PREPAREDNESS ACTIVITIES • Educated health care workers in public and private health facilities in selected regions on MERS-CoV and avian influenza A (H7N9) virus. • Printed banners on MERS-CoV and avian influenza A (H7N9) virus and placed them at the main ports of entry as well as the Embassies of China and Saudi Arabia. • Printed informational brochures on MERS-CoV and avian influenza A (H7N9) virus and distributed them to travelers from the Hajj as well as those from China to educate them on what to look for and how to react. • Hired a consultant to package the influenza data dossier in the format recommended by the KENITAG and SIVAC.
