The World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH) represented by the Directorate General of Directorate General of Disease Surveillance and Control, held recently a sub-regional training on advanced influenza diagnostics using REAL-TIME Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at the Department of Public Health Laboratories, Darsait.

The four-day workshop, that gathered 12 participants representing the Eastern Mediterranean, aimed at training them on the skills of influenza virus and subtypes detection by the use of standardized test protocol, therefore strengthening the capacities for influenza diagnosis and surveillance in the region. Furthermore, the program highlights the wise use of the available human and financial resources and recognizes general laboratory strategies for detection of Influenza.

Local and international presenters trained the participants on Molecular Typing and Subtyping of Influenza using rRT-PCR assay and testing Algorithms to be implemented on the level of the participating States’ national Centers of Diseases Control (CDC), in addition to the collection, storage and transport of specimens, the molecular detection of influenza viruses.

Moreover, the program included analysis of RT-PCR results and troubleshooting. It underlined Biosafety practices for suspect highly Pathogenic Influenza Viruses as well as the RT-PCR standard operating procedure development process.