Strengthening Laboratory, Blood Safety, and Infection Prevention and Control Capacities in Liberia

Description

The 2014-2016 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Liberia exposed the acute vulnerability of Liberia’s public health system. Limited laboratory capacity and resources, including lack of diagnostic capacities to test for infectious diseases, an unreliable blood supply with inadequate blood services, and poor to non-existent infection prevention and control (IPC) resources and practices in health facilities and laboratories left the Liberian health system unprepared for the EVD outbreak. Significant investments and gains have been made since 2014 to strengthen Liberia’s public health system; however, the system remains fragile. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in coordination with the Government of Liberia (GOL) and local and international partners, continues to support health system strengthening activities, further building Liberia’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to disease outbreaks at their source. This NOFO supports activities to strengthen laboratory capacities, further developing a competent laboratory workforce and expanding diagnostic capacities, reinforced through laboratory quality management activities; improved blood transfusion practices to build and maintain quality blood transfusion services; and strengthening infection prevention and control practices, with the goal of reducing transmission of epidemic prone diseases and antimicrobial resistance within healthcare facilities. These activities align with Global Health Security Agenda priorities in preventing, detecting and responding to potential public health threats. In order to continue efforts to maintain and expand Liberia’s capabilities to prevent, detect, and respond to potential infectious disease outbreaks, CDC, the GOL, and partners must work to ensure a rapid diagnosis of infectious diseases. When infectious diseases strike, obtaining fast, accurate laboratory diagnoses is vital to stopping an outbreak from becoming a widespread epidemic. A timely confirmation of infectious diseases and proper infection prevention and control practices support reduced risk of infections, prevent widespread disease transmission, and improve the quality of healthcare services. Safe and reliable blood transfusion services reduce risk of infections and improve patient health outcomes. This NOFO builds on activities implemented under CDC-RFA-GH15-1630, which supports implementation of key activities under similar strategy areas. Program findings have shown, among other positive outcomes, the importance of strengthening infection prevention and control practices in healthcare facilities through the training of healthcare workers with mentorship as a key component for workers retaining new knowledge and effectively applying sound IPC practices. Laboratory diagnostics have been improved through intensive technical training with embedded mentorship for laboratory staff, reinforced through laboratory quality management activities. Blood transfusion services have been improved through technical training and on-site mentorship provided to National Blood Safety Program management and workers at multiple levels, complemented by implementation of blood safety quality standards and equipment and supplies support. Gains made across these areas have been reinforced by other key activities, including technical assistance provided to the GOL to develop supportive national policies and strategic plans, the development of protocol and procedures to promote sustained improvements, and training of trainers in each area to promote lasting workforce capacities.

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