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Opinion Paper
Integrating laboratory networks, surveillance systems and public health institutes in Africa
Submitted: 03 March 2016 | Published: 31 October 2016
About the author(s)
Philip C. Onyebujoh, WHO AFRO TB Laboratories Focal Point, World Health Organization, Harare, ZimbabweAjay K. Thirumala, Independent Consultant, Horamavu, Bangalore, India
Jean-Bosco Ndihokubwayo, Lab Systems, WHO Africa Regional Office, Brazzaville, Congo
Abstract
The Ebola outbreak in West Africa underlined the urgent need for integration of public health systems, including the establishment of national laboratory networks, surveillance systems, and health research institutions at all levels of service delivery. The integration schema presented here would assist in driving the immediate steps needed for integration of public health systems, particularly laboratory networks, in support of the implementation of International Health Regulations and the Global Health Security Agenda in the African region. Increased funding, political willingness from countries, and coordination through enhanced technical assistance from international partners, are critical in achieving this objective.
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