By Halimatou Jallow
A major initiative to enhance The Gambia’s ability to detect and respond to infectious diseases has been launched. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), through its International Health Regulations Strengthening Project, in collaboration with the ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control (RCSDC), launched a seven-day training workshop on diphtheria diagnostics and sample management.
The training, which began on Monday, September 15, brought together scientists from the Gambia National Public Health Laboratories and its network. It is designed to strengthen both laboratory and surveillance capacities in tackling diphtheria, a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection.
Participants are receiving hands-on training in the culture and identification of Corynebacterium diphtheriae directly from patient samples, an essential step in building practical diagnostic skills. The programme also provides updates on the laboratory and public health management of diphtheria to focal persons responsible for diagnosis and surveillance nationwide.
Beyond individual skills, the workshop seeks to reinforce the national diphtheria laboratory network, creating a more coordinated system to improve outbreak preparedness. Participants are also being trained in active surveillance and accurate reporting of laboratory-confirmed data, which is vital for effective outbreak detection, resource allocation, and rapid response.
The initiative reflects a growing international commitment to building resilient health systems. Through the collaboration between UKHSA and ECOWAS RCSDC, The Gambia is better positioned to protect its population against emerging health threats while contributing to regional disease control efforts.
By the end of the workshop, The Gambia is expected to have a stronger cadre of trained laboratory scientists and a more robust surveillance system. This proactive approach is seen as a critical step in bolstering the country’s health security and readiness to respond to future outbreaks.
