Improving diagnostics and surveillance
The Mérieux Foundation is helping Niger to strengthen its diagnostic capacity with a multi-sector approach. The country has been a member of RESAOLAB, the West African Network of Medical Biology Laboratories, since 2013. RESAOLAB is a regional network launched by the Foundation in collaboration with the health ministries of its member countries. The program aims to strengthen the structure of laboratory systems by reinforcing governance, supporting training and quality management, and setting up surveillance. In Niger, we have contributed to the creation of the health laboratories department in Niamey and the continuing training centre for biology in Zinder. The network also helps to develop the skills of laboratory professionals by awarding grants to enable them to follow a continuing education program we have set up in Mali.
In concrete terms, we are involved in implementing a number of national capacity-building projects, aiming for example to improve diagnostics and biological monitoring for patients living with HIV and/or tuberculosis, and to install the LabBook software to facilitate laboratory data management, biological sample storage, and equipment maintenance.
We are also supporting the national authorities in structuring the national laboratory strategy and strengthening regional cooperation in medical biology.
