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| Laboratory researchers working in Biosafety level 3 laboratory. |
Viet Nam develops Ebola Virus Disease Laboratory Diagnostic Capacity
A team of seven Vietnamese laboratory researchers has been trained to test for the Ebola Virus Disease as part of ongoing efforts of the Vietnamese government and international partners to prepare for a possible case of Ebola Virus Disease in Viet Nam. Japan International Cooperation Agency, National Institute of Infectious Diseases of Japan, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, and WHO pave the way for laboratory testing of Ebola Virus Disease in Viet Nam. "The training is very useful, comprehensive and the instructor is very knowledgeable" says Ms Le Thi Thanh. Thanh works for the Virology Department of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE) and is one of the seven laboratory researchers who took part in the training. In addition to Thanh, another laboratory researcher from NIHE, and laboratory researchers from the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City, the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases and the Tropical Diseases Hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City attended the training course in Ha Noi. Laboratory diagnostics capacity is at the heart of surveillance and response to emerging diseases" Mr Jefferey Kobza, WHO Representative Viet Nam |
Until now laboratory staff in Viet Nam had not been trained to test for Ebola virus infection. Although the risk for the virus to spread to Viet Nam is currently low, the World Health Organization's (WHO) Road Map on Ebola recommends all countries, including Viet Nam, to strengthen preparedness to rapidly detect and respond to an Ebola Virus Disease case. The week long training course covered more than simply testing a sample for Ebola Virus Disease. Thanh and her colleagues were also taught how to handle samples of suspected Ebola case patients, how to store and transport them, and most importantly how to protect themselves when handling a sample. Safe transport of specimens is also important to reconfirm initial test findings at a reference laboratory outside of Viet Nam. The training course is the result of a longstanding partnership between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the National Institute of Infectious Diseases of Japan, Nagasaki University, and the NIHE. Under the JICA-NIHE project, a Biosafety Level 3 laboratory facility has been built making it possible to test and diagnose a sample for Ebola Virus Disease in a safe environment.
WHO Viet Nam/E Eraly
The Biosafety level 3 or containment laboratory is specifically designed to work with higher risk pathogens. Some features include controlled access, directional airflow, usage of special personal protective equipment and biological safety cabinets. In addition, the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University (NEKKEN) hosted an Ebola Virus Disease laboratory training course in Japan and invited two Vietnamese researchers.
"When the Ministry of Health and WHO approached us to facilitate the testing of Ebola Virus Disease in Viet Nam, we immediately responded positively" said Dr. Masashi Tatsumi, Chief Advisor of the JICA-NIHE project. "It is our pleasure to improve the Laboratory capacity in Viet Nam."
JICA/M Tatsumi
Dr. Shuetsu Fukushi, Ebola virus expert of NIID and the trainer of the course, is impressed with the work of the Vietnamese researchers: "They are very skillful and eager to learn. It is rewarding to work with them." WHO has been working on strengthening laboratory capacity for emerging infectious diseases in line with the Asia Pacific Strategy for Emerging Diseases or APSED (2010). Such generic laboratory strengthening proves a valuable investment when capacity for emerging diseases such as Ebola needs to be established.
WHO Viet Nam/E Eraly "Laboratory diagnostics capacity is at the heart of surveillance and response to emerging diseases. The Laboratory researchers need to have the right training and the right environment to work safely. Their work is absolutely critical. WHO has a strong network of partners such as JICA and this joint effort highlights a strong commitment to respond locally to the global Ebola threat." noted WHO Country Representative to Viet Nam Jeffery Kobza In addition to developing laboratory diagnostics capacity, the Vietnamese Government recently participated in an Ebola simulation exercise organized by WHO's Western Pacific Regional Office. Viet Nam also conducts regular risk assessment meetings and constantly monitors the global situation in its Emergency Operating Centre, highlighting the country's firm commitment to prepare and respond to any possible case of Ebola in the country.
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