Regional workshop for strengthening capacity and internal quality assurance for the SEAR Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network. Thimphu, Bhutan, 15-20 August 2016.

Abstract

In order to achieve the goal of measles elimination and rubella control by 2020, case-based measles surveillance activities in all countries of South-East Asia Region, World Health Organization, have gained momentum resulting in increasing workload and expectations from Measles and Rubella laboratory network (‎MR LabNet)‎. Maintenance of highest standards in lab reporting is the backbone of lab supported surveillance for measles elimination. The workshop at Thimphu, Bhutan during 15–20 August 2016, dwelt on the concepts of quality assurance to enhance capacity of laboratory network. The workshop was an opportunity to establish close collaboration with surveillance team and assess the programmatic need to generate resources for lab supported surveillance. This workshop was a step forward to develop a system for internal quality assurance and support the verification towards progress in measles elimination in SEAR.