WHO Recognizes INS Virology Laboratory as Mozambique’s National Influenza Centre
The World Health Organization has recognized Mozambique’s INS Virology Laboratory as the National Influenza Centre. This certification signifies the laboratory’s quality in monitoring influenza and respiratory viruses. Director Nédio Mabunda emphasized the lab’s ongoing commitment, while Chilaúle and Tivane highlighted future plans for technological advancements and support in ARI surveillance.
Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated the Virology Laboratory of the National Institute of Health (INS) in Mozambique as the National Influenza Centre (NIC). This recognition highlights the laboratory’s vital role in monitoring and diagnosing influenza and other respiratory viruses on both a national and global scale. The certification results from a thorough evaluation of its analytical processes and management of laboratory outcomes, signifying the high quality of the data produced for decision-making purposes.
Nédio Mabunda, Director of the Public Health Laboratories Division, stated that this distinction reflects the laboratory’s ongoing commitment to maintaining quality in its operations. Since 2013, the lab has been engaged in influenza surveillance and holds accreditation for 25 specific tests. Mabunda noted, “This certification is a major milestone for Mozambique and for the Virology Laboratory, as it has achieved international recognition.” The laboratory aims to uphold high standards utilizing globally accepted protocols for data collection and sample testing.
The head of the Department of Virology, Jorfélia Chilaúle, expressed her pride in the recognition of the laboratory’s technical capabilities, emphasizing its role in the prevention and control of influenza and related viruses. Chilaúle discussed future plans to maintain the NIC status, enhance technological capabilities for viral isolation and antigenicity analysis, and strengthen technical support to associated laboratories. The laboratory also intends to produce external quality assessment panels for Portuguese-speaking nations, along with evaluating vaccine quality.
Almiro Tivane, Coordinator for the Surveillance of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs), also expressed satisfaction with the institution’s advancements, noting that this recognition is a substantial asset for the ARI surveillance system. The achievement positions Mozambique as a potential regional reference in ARI monitoring. The INS Virology Laboratory has conducted influenza diagnostics since 2013, employing laboratory-based sentinel surveillance for ARIs and continuously tracking epidemiological trends.
In conclusion, the recognition of Mozambique’s INS Virology Laboratory as the National Influenza Centre by the World Health Organization marks a significant advancement in the country’s public health capabilities. This certification underscores the laboratory’s commitment to maintaining high-quality testing standards and positions it as a leader in influenza and respiratory virus surveillance within the region. The commitment to innovation and quality assurance promises to further enhance the laboratory’s contributions to public health.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com