This year, to expand access to quality diagnostic services for all province inhabitants, a project was created to support laboratories in the 8 districts (Bualapha, Saybuathong, Nakai, Nongbok, Sebangfai, Hinbun, Gnomalat and Mahaxai). It was overseen by Dr. Félix Leclerc, technical assistant at Fondation Mérieux.
The project was created to meet the need for continuous training of laboratory professionals. Its main objectives were the development and implementation of a training programme for the 8 districts.
35 healthcare professionals (27 laboratory technicians and 8 clinicians) participated in 4 days of theoretical and practical training. The courses, taught in Laotian, covered the following themes:
- Biosecurity and laboratory waste management
- Stool parasitology
- Use of urinalysis strips
- Complete Blood Count
- Kidney and liver function testing and monitoring blood sugar levels.
Post training evaluations of participants showed a solid increase in knowledge. Following the success of this initiative, participants hope to continue the training program and expand it to other themes, some of which have already been identified.