Equipping Laboratories to Address Global Health Needs

We build laboratory capacity in global communities through programs and partnerships that promote access to basic resources and technology. Our work enables labs to reliably conduct microbiology operations around the world and in under-resourced locations.

We tailor our programs to the specific needs of each country, in order to ensure sustainable outcomes.

The result: properly trained and uniquely skilled personnel who can detect and respond to infectious diseases rapidly and effectively.

The downstream effect: countries that are equipped to respond to emerging pathogens and prepared to combat ongoing and future pandemics.

Webinar Series: Strengthening Laboratories in Resource Limited Settings

Gain new insight from leading scientific experts on strategies and innovative approaches to strengthen laboratory capacity. This quarterly GPHP webinar series focuses on how microbiology plays an integral role in addressing today’s global health challenges and highlights ASM’s work on a global level.

An integral component for control and prevention of infectious diseases in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is ensuring there are effective, accessible diagnostic networks in place. Tune in to hear how the use of diagnostic network mapping and optimization analysis can inform integrated diagnostic system strengthening interventions.

This webinar was created with the help of ASM's Clinical & Public Health Microbiology Committee. It took place on Feb. 21, 2024, and the recording is now available. 

Surveillance and Data Aggregation

Through the support of the U.K. aid Fleming Fund, ASM is working alongside public health experts in Tanzania to implement the country’s National AMR Surveillance Framework. The initiative focuses on enhancing laboratory capabilities to produce high-quality data on local resistance patterns and streamlining surveillance activities across both human and animal populations, with the ultimate goal of informing policy and improving patient treatment and care.

Antimicrobial Resistance

Through a recent cooperative agreement with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, we are actively supporting improved surveillance of Bordetella pertussis antimicrobial resistance in Brazil and Mexico. We aim to reduce morbidity and mortality in children, the population most affected by this disease in Mexico and Brazil, and hope to utilize the approach as a model in the rest of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Outbreak Detection and Pandemic Preparedness

We work routinely with public health laboratories in countries with limited resources to manage ongoing health threats and strengthen emergency responses, including the detection and reporting of outbreaks and circulating pathogens with pandemic potential.

Our efforts enabled The Lugar Center for Public Health Research, Republic of Georgia, to gain accreditation under International Standard ISO 15189, a historic distinction they have since retained twice.

Using a standardized disease-specific laboratory strengthening checklist, we assist laboratories in their preparation for the Stepwise Laboratory Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) or similar requirements.

Our checklist:

• Provides a standardized method for taking inventory of personnel and available services.
• Provides a reference to assess and score the performance of a clinical microbiology laboratory seeking accreditation.