Monrovia — An international training workshop for Biologists, Laboratory Directors, and Technicians opened today, October 3, 2022, in Monrovia. The workshop is organized by the Global Health Systems Solutions (GHSS) with support from the Africa Center for Disease Control (Africa CDC).

The workshop is organized within the framework of the implementation of the activities of the Regional Integrated Surveillance and Laboratory Network (RISLNET)- in West Africa.

RISLNET is a project of Africa CDC implemented by GHSS with guidance and collaboration from the West Africa Health Organization (WAHO). The project seeks to enhance the implementation of Quality Management Systems using the Strengthening of Laboratory Management Towards Accreditation (SLMTA) tool kit in reference laboratories and Strengthening Laboratory Implementation process towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) in six selected countries (Mali, Benin, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Togo, and Cape Verde.

In her opening remark, the Minister of Health, Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah commended the Africa CDC for selecting Liberia as the Venue of the workshop. She admonished the participants to take advantage of the opportunity. She further indicated that "Liberia was the recipient of several doses of vaccines from the South Africa which was made in South Africa, this is something that Africa should be proud of" she averred.

Mr. Ntongowa Callistus, the Deputy Executive Director of Global Health Systems Solutions underscored the importance of the training and expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health and all the participating countries for their collaboration in ensuring their participation in the training.

Also speaking during the opening session of the workshop, the Project Coordinator of RISLNET-West Africa under the Africa CDC Mr. Thaddee Niyoyitungira said the RISLNET Project is intended to build the capacity of reference laboratories across West Africa so as to ensure quality outputs. He said the Africa CDC is committed to improving the health of the people of Africa.