Haiti

Summary of activities by year

Until 31 December 2017 linked to ex-SRL Boston

2015

• • Due to a fire in the container lab (BSL3 lab) in 2014, most moderate and high risk activities including culture and DST (implemented in 2013) could not be performed. Efforts are underway to make the newly constructed BSL-3 functional.

2014

• • Facilitated the implementation of a transition plan to address technical, logistical and operational challenges related to start-up and operations of the new NRL

  • Established a stepwise process for organizing and outfitting each laboratory room in the new NRL (includes BSL-3 suite and reagent prep/staining lab)

  • Provided practical training in biosafety and assistance in development of risk assessments and SOPs

  • Meeting with in country international partners (FIND and ASM) and LNSP management on EQA program for microscopy

2013

• • Training of the newly hired TB Culture Laboratory Assistant Manager to expand technical and practical knowledge

  • Assessment of MGIT 960 DST method, its QC and biosafety

  • Assisted in development of a personal protective equipment (PPE) program and respiratory protection program 

  • Training on QC procedures for solid and liquid culture

  • Troubleshooting for contamination issues and identification of NTMs

  • Provided advice and assistance on the overall quality and biosafety plan

  • Utilized gaps identified in QM from GLI assessment, continued assistance to LNSP on QSEs specified in the GLI stepwise Process towards TB Laboratory Accreditation

2012

• • Meeting with in‐country and other  partners working on the laboratory strengthening at the country level

  • Assessment of the LNSP TB lab using “ GLI stepwise process towards TB Lab accreditation” checklists according to each of the 12 Quality System Essentials with Phase 1-4 for each.

  • Detailed review of the purchasing and inventory system as outlined in the GLI checklist

  • Development of job description to hire Assistant TB Lab Manager

  • Training on packaging & shipment of infectious specimens and cultures to MSRL for comparison and resolution of discrepancies

  • Technical assistance and support to the LNSP for continuation of EQA for AFB Smear Microscopy

  • Collaborative work with LNSP, NTP, and CDC on the implementation of a pilot project to establish an ongoing surveillance system to monitor the dynamics and trends of Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug resistance (MT-DR) in Haiti