The WHO Lyon Public Health laboratory unit invited participants to join this PHLabs webinar to take part in an interactive simulation exercise.
The session aimed to introduce participants to simulation exercises, and trigger a reflection on their processes for international referral of samples, utilizing the example of an outbreak of viral hemorrhagic fever.
Three aspects of the shipment and referral process were discussed:
- Formal arrangements and processes needed to refer specimens internationally
- Requirements for the sample shipment and possible challenges
- The sharing of results and communication with relevant stakeholders.
Registered participants were pre-assigned to one of three rooms, each addressing one of the aspects above. Rooms were facilitated by a member of the WHO Public Health Laboratory strengthening Unit, and an international expert.
Our international experts:
Mrs Lisa Stevens, Dr Dafni Paspaliari and Dr Céline Barnadas (WHO Lyon office)
Dr Lance Presser (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, RIVM, The Netherlands)
Dr Belinda Herring (WHO regional office for Africa)
Dr Martin Faye (Institut Pasteur Dakar, Senegal)
Launched in May 2020, this knowledge sharing platform aims to enhance WHO guidance dissemination and best practice sharing among public health laboratories globally. WHO is grateful to the technical and financial partners who have helped to support and sustain this webinar series.