Assessment of National Public Health and Reference Laboratory, Accra, Ghana, within Framework of Global Health Security

Abstract

The Second Year of Life project of the Global Health Security Agenda aims to improve immunization systems and strengthen measles and rubella surveillance, including building laboratory capacity. A new laboratory assessment tool was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to assess the national laboratory in Ghana to improve molecular surveillance for measles and rubella. Results for the tool showed that the laboratory is well organized, has a good capacity for handling specimens, has a good biosafety system, and is proficient for diagnosis of measles and rubella by serologic analysis. However, there was little knowledge about molecular biology and virology activities (i.e., virus isolation on tissue culture was not available). Recommendations included training of technical personnel for molecular techniques and advocacy for funding for laboratory equipment, reagents, and supplies.

Dog Bites and Rabies in the Eastern Region of Ghana in 2013–2015: A Call for a One-Health Approach

“…This problem extends to the global level where disparities in the number of rabies cases reported to WHO and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) continue to persist. Harmonizing the surveillance systems for zoonotic diseases as part of the One-Health agenda should be an important task within the Global Health Security program [11, 18]. Although very few examples of subnational-level implementation of the One-Health approach have been reported in sub-Saharan Africa, its effectiveness in improving disease prediction and control has been well-demonstrated in other parts of the world [19].…”

Laboratory capacity in COVID-19 diagnosis and the need to enhance molecular testing in Ghana

“…NPHRL, which is part of the WHO Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network (GMRLN), has other challenges, such as inadequate financial resources for laboratory activities and maintenance of equipment and lack of political commitment (e.g. policies and budget) to support the laboratory (Ogee-Nwankwo et al, 2017).…”

“…Implementation of NLP will ensure the establishment of systems, processes, and procedures that will support laboratories across the tiers of the health delivery system in Ghana. Laboratories need both financial and political support at the highest level, without which these laboratories cannot be maintained and sustained. A lack of support will ultimately affect laboratories' ability to routinely diagnose samples as well as adequately respond to outbreaks and pandemics (Ogee-Nwankwo et al, 2017). The government of Ghana intends to increase its efforts to enhance capacities of the existing laboratories while establishing new laboratories across every region and three infectious disease control centres in the three zones of Ghana: the Coastal, Middle-belt and Northern zones.…”

Progress and Opportunities for Strengthening Global Health Security

“…Although rapid laboratory confirmation of public health threats is a complex endeavor, requiring long-term technical assistance and major resources, many countries are advancing key components. For example, Ghana conducted a national public health laboratory system assessment in support of the Second Year of Life initiative for sustaining adequate vaccine coverage through 24 months of age and for monitoring GHSA-sponsored public health laboratory enhancement efforts ( 18 ). South Korea is enhancing its public health laboratory to meet the standards of the US Laboratory Response Network, which will facilitate the ability of this country to rapidly determine the etiology of most public emergencies ( 19 ).…”