OIE Laboratory Twinning Programme - making a difference

摘要

Sudan hosts more than 100 million heads of sheep, goats, cattle and camels. Brucellosis is still endemic in the country and activities to control it face many challenges. Under the concept of the OIE Laboratory Twinning Programme, the candidate Brucella laboratory at the Veterinary Research Institute (VRI), Sudan, was strengthened through capacity building, training of the staff, networking and joint scientific activities with its parent laboratory in the United Kingdom. The candidate laboratory successfully implemented the project activities through supporting expert missions to Sudan, conducting training sessions at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) in the United Kingdom, isolating and characterising Brucella spp. from animals, and confirming the results at the parent laboratory. Production and standardisation of biological products and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for each product was clearly demonstrated. The quality control of these products is done according to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals and SOPs received from APHA. These products are now readily produced and are of high quality and most of them were validated by the parent laboratory. The parent laboratory provides enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits and reference antigens and anti-sera for quality control tests and research studies. Molecular expertise is also attained through training on the use of moleculartechnology. Two external quality testings (EQTs) were conducted and were successfully accomplished. Activities in the spirit of 'One Health' included isolation of Brucella from suspected humans with collaboration with the health agencies in Sudan and Nidiag (European research network for better diagnosis of neglected infectious disease). Epidemiological mapping of the disease in Khartoum State was also achieved and the spatial distribution of brucellosis in Khartoum State was successfully completed.At the national level, the Department of Brucella, with competent trained staff, plays a leading role in training sessions in diagnosis of brucellosis. Many new research areas were initiated under the twinning programme, including diagnosis of camel brucellosis.Candidate laboratory visibility was raised at national, regional and international conferences and meetings. Guidance is continuous from the parent laboratory experts.