International Journal of Infectious Diseases (Mar 2017)

Enhanced laboratory capacity development: a boost for effective tuberculosis control in resource-limited settings

  • Abraham Sunday Alabi,
  • Afsatou Ndama Traoré,
  • Marguerite Massinga Loembe,
  • Ulysse Ateba-Ngoa,
  • Matthias Frank,
  • Ayola Akim Adegnika,
  • Bertrand Lell,
  • Jocelyn Mahoumbou,
  • Carsten Köhler,
  • Peter Gottfried Kremsner,
  • Martin Peter Grobusch

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2016.11.404
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 56, no. C
pp. 81 – 84

Abstract

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Both routine and research tuberculosis (TB) laboratory capacity urgently need to be expanded in large parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2009, the Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL) took a strategic decision to expand its activities by building TB laboratory capacity to address research questions and to improve routine diagnostic and treatment capacity. Over the past 7 years, a standard laboratory has been developed that is contributing significantly to TB diagnosis, treatment, and control in Gabon; training has also been provided for TB research staff in Central Africa. CERMEL has a cordial relationship with the Gabon National TB Control Programme (PNLT), which has culminated in a successful Global Fund joint application. This endeavour is considered a model for similar developments needed in areas of high TB prevalence and where TB control remains poor to date.

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