The Virology Laboratory of Mozambique’s National Institute of Health has been recognized by WHO as the National Influenza Centre. This certification reflects the laboratory’s thorough evaluation and commitment to quality in monitoring and diagnosing respiratory viruses. Key personnel express optimism about advancing technologies and maintaining high standards in influenza and respiratory virus surveillance.
Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated the Virology Laboratory of the National Institute of Health (INS) as Mozambique’s National Influenza Centre (NIC). This recognition acknowledges the laboratory’s significant role in the monitoring and diagnosis of influenza and other respiratory viruses on both a national and global scale. The certification stems from thorough evaluations conducted by WHO experts, ensuring that the laboratory produces high-quality data for informed decision-making.
Director of the Public Health Laboratories Division, Nédio Mabunda, stated that this acknowledgment reflects INS’s dedication to quality and recognizes the laboratory’s extensive work since 2013 in flu and respiratory virus surveillance. He noted that the laboratory currently holds accreditation for 25 formal tests, underlining its rigorous standards.
Mabunda highlights, “This certification is a major milestone for Mozambique and for the Virology Laboratory, as it has achieved international recognition.” He reassures that the laboratory will uphold high quality standards while employing internationally recognized protocols for sample data collection and testing.
Jorfélia Chilaúle, head of the Department of Virology, expressed her satisfaction with the technical capacity recognition. She emphasized the laboratory’s integral role in controlling influenza and other respiratory viruses. Moving forward, she aims to expand new technologies, including viral isolation, and offers technical support to affiliated laboratories, enhancing the quality of evaluations for vaccines across Portuguese-speaking countries.
Almiro Tivane, coordinator for Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) surveillance, also welcomed the achievement. He described it as crucial for enhancing the system he oversees and indicated that it positions Mozambique as a regional leader in ARI surveillance. The INS Virology Laboratory has been active in diagnosing influenza since 2013, implementing a proactive surveillance system to continuously track epidemiological trends and seasonal patterns of various respiratory viruses, including influenza viruses and SARS-COV-2.
In conclusion, the recognition of INS’s Virology Laboratory as Mozambique’s National Influenza Centre marks a significant advancement in respiratory virus surveillance. This certification confirms the laboratory’s commitment to quality and international standards, enhancing Mozambique’s role as a reference point for regional influenza monitoring. Continued investments in technology and expertise will further bolster its capacity to combat respiratory infections effectively.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
