Join for an insightful MOBSA virtual conference on the West African Biorisk Management Network (WABNet), featuring Dr. Olivier Manigart, an expert and Senior Team Leader of the PROALAB project.

@OoasWaho and Partners Review #PROALAB Progress at 5th Steering Committee Meeting The West African Health Organisation (@OoasWaho) convened the 5th Meeting of the Steering Committee of the Project for Strengthening Epidemiological Surveillance and Laboratory Systems in West Africa (PROALAB) on 28 January 2026 in Cotonou, bringing together senior representatives from #ECOWAS Member States, national laboratory directors, technical partners and donors. Opening the meeting, Ms Stéphanie Kursten Camara, Director of @KfW in Benin, commended the strong partnership with @OoasWaho and highlighted the strategic importance of laboratory systems in strengthening health security. She praised Member States for their commitment to implementing #PROALAB activities and underscored the Steering Committee’s critical role in guiding the project’s impact and sustainability. During the meeting, participants reviewed and validated the Technical Committee report, assessed the implementation of recommendations from the previous Steering Committee meeting, and agreed on new strategic orientations to accelerate project implementation and maximise benefits for beneficiary countries. Closing the meeting, Dr @Melchior_AISSI, Director General of @OoasWaho, paid tribute to laboratory professionals for their frontline role in protecting public health. While acknowledging progress made under #PROALAB, he emphasised the need for continued collaboration and sustained investment to further strengthen laboratory systems, reaffirming WAHO’s commitment to supporting Member States in implementing agreed recommendations. Prior to the Steering Committee meeting, a two-day Technical Committee Meeting was held on 26 and 27 January 2026 under the leadership of Dr Olivier Manigart, Team Lead of the GFA/PROALAB Project. Members reviewed project implementation, including progress on the Annual Budgeted Work Plan, regional procurement, laboratory capacity strengthening, quality management systems, accreditation, laboratory information systems and sample transport. The Technical Committee formulated recommendations to inform decision-making at the Steering Committee level. Funded by the German Government through the German Development Bank (@KfW) and implemented by @OoasWaho, #PROALAB aims to sustainably strengthen epidemiological surveillance and laboratory systems at national and regional levels to improve preparedness, early detection and response to epidemics across West Africa.

🇨🇮 Abidjan - 12 Sept. 2025 | The 5th Annual Meeting of the ECOWAS Regional Network of Reference Laboratories will take place in Abidjan on 12 and 13 September 2025. This event is part of the activities aimed at strengthening laboratory systems and epidemiological surveillance in West Africa, within the framework of the #PROALAB project, supported by the @OoasWaho. This meeting comes immediately after the 2nd #ECOWAS International Conference on Lassa Fever (#ELFIC2025), also held in Abidjan from 8 to 11 September 2025, which brought together experts, scientists, and policymakers from across the region to strengthen regional cooperation against this disease, as well as other emerging infectious diseases. The network of reference laboratories plays a crucial role in surveillance, detection, and response to health threats in #ECOWAS Member States. #Epidemiology #ECOWAS #WAHO #Laboratory #Surveillance

Organised Session 23 | Day 4 | #elfic2025 Strengthening Epidemiological Surveillance Through Laboratory Systems: A Holistic Experience Reinforcing the Regional West African Network of Reference Laboratories This session, led by KFW/PROALAB, highlights how robust lab systems enhance surveillance, early detection, and regional collaboration to combat Lassa fever.

*Regional Health Security: Launch of the Technical Advisory Council of the ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control.* From July 23 to 25, 2025, the ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control @Ecowas_cdc successfully concluded the establishment of its Technical Advisory Council (TAC), a key pillar in the region’s framework for epidemic preparedness and response. Building on the inaugural meeting held in February, which laid the foundation for a strategic and collaborative governance structure, this workshop marked a significant milestone. The TAC, a high-level body comprising technical experts, representatives from member states, and key development partners, is tasked with providing strategic guidance on regional health threats, ensuring scientific excellence in @Ecowas_cdc activities, fostering collaboration, & aligning programs with best regional and global practices. The event gathered a diverse array of institutions and stakeholders, including Directors of National Coordination Institutions (NCIs) from member states, as well as partners such as @WHOAFRO, @AfricaCDC , @CDCgov , GIZ/RPPP, @AFENETAfrica, the Pasteur Institute of Dakar @PasteurDakar , PROALAB/BMZ, ADRAP, Pandemic Threat/FIND, and Bloom Public Health. During the workshop, participants validated the foundational documents of the TAC, formalized its structure, and conducted an in-depth assessment of the epidemiological situation across @ecowas_cedeao. The TAC, composed of 25 members, elected a bureau for a two-year term, including a President, Vice-President, and Secretary-General. Following elections, the Director of the Senegal NCI was elected President, Cabo Verde NCI became Vice-President, and the Director of Pandemic Threats at FIND was appointed Secretary-General. The first TAC meeting produced strategic recommendations to enhance the centre’s interventions, thereby strengthening regional health resilience. The implementation of these recommendations will be closely monitored in collaboration with member states and RCSDC partners. The @ecowas_cedeao Executive Director expressed gratitude to the TAC members, stating, “Your unwavering commitment demonstrates our collective capacity to address the region’s health challenges.” He emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation, information sharing, and capacity building to anticipate and manage future health crises effectively. In closing the workshop, the Executive Director urged all participants to stay committed to safeguarding the health of @ecowas_cedeao populations. Future discussions are already scheduled to pave the way toward a safer and more resilient health future in the region. @AbdouKolley @ecowas_cedeao @GouvcI @UKHSA @giz_gmbh @Fmohnigeria @NPHIL6 @santegouv_sn @cousenegal @cous_senegal @MSPS_Togo @mohgovgh @mohs_sl @MohGambia @WHOAFRO @SalamGueye @UKinNigeria @muhammadpate @ECOWAS_RAHC @mariannebonkano @onesimec @vicfatimehin @Dr_Babacar @_GHSofficial @Gouvci @USCDCNIGERIA @mohs_sl @ezekielagir @anss_guinee @Santeci @AFENETAfrica @npha_sl

@WAHO and @Ecowas_cdc, in partnership with the Global Fund and the Pasteur Institute of Dakar, successfully conducted a strategic mission in Guinea-Bissau. This activity, carried out from March 17 to March 21, 2025, aimed to assess and strengthen the country's laboratory systems. It is part of the initiative “Strengthening Epidemiological Services and Health Systems in the @ecowas_cedeao Region” (PROALAB), funded by the German government and the German Development Bank (KfW). This initiative seeks to enhance diagnostic capabilities, disease surveillance, and laboratory management across 25 facilities in nine West African countries, including Guinea-Bissau. Accompanied by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Health of Guinea-Bissau, the delegation visited various laboratories in the country to identify their specific needs. The mission focused on five essential priorities: 1.⁠ ⁠Optimization of biological sample transportation through the Integrated Transportation System (SITEB). 2.⁠ ⁠Improvement of information management systems (LIMS) to enhance data efficiency. 3.⁠ ⁠Establishment of international quality standards (QMS) for laboratory certification. 4.⁠ ⁠Strengthening biosafety and biological security practices. 5.⁠ ⁠Enhanced monitoring of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Notable activities included the presentation of innovative technological solutions, such as LabBook, discussions on adopting ISO 35001 standards, and meetings with national leaders to ensure strategic cohesion. Furthermore, an intensive training program was delivered to local practitioners on best laboratory practices and the use of new technologies, providing crucial expertise for upcoming certification. The mission resulted in specific recommendations and a concrete action plan to strengthen the laboratories in Guinea-Bissau. These collaborative efforts, alongside partnerships with local stakeholders and visits from prominent institutions such as the FAO and WHO, reflect a sustained commitment to improving national public health. This mission marks a significant step toward enhanced health security within the ECOWAS region. @AbdouKolley @OoasWaho @JMDiarrass @GouvcI @UKHSA @giz_gmbh @Fmohnigeria @NPHIL6 @santegouv_sn @cousenegal @cous_senegal @MSPS_Togo @mohgovgh @mohs_sl @MohGambia @WHOAFRO @SalamGueye @solaruna @UKinNigeria @muhammadpate @ECOWAS_RAHC @mariannebonkano @onesimec @vicfatimehin @Dr_Babacar @_GHSofficial @Gouvci @USCDCNIGERIA @mohs_sl @ezekielagir @anss_guinee @Santeci @AFENETAfrica

From Oct 28 to Nov 1, 2024, @OoasWaho and PROALAB hosted a 5-day certified training in Abidjan on biological waste management for 70 participants from 15 #ECOWAS states. Focus: harmonizing biosafety practices & fostering regional expertise. #Biosafety #WAHO #WABNet​ #PROALAB

Un regard sur les avancées du projet PROALAB à l'IPCI" Une délégation de la KFW, conduite par Mme Amelia Lara HEINZ, chef d’équipe Santé, éducation et protection Sociale à KFW francfort en Allemagne a visité l'IPCI pour s'imprégner des réalisations du projet ce mardi 12 nov 2024

Lomé, Oct. 17, 2024 - 4th Steering Committee Meeting of #PROALAB project kicks off following two days of intensive work by the technical committee. Funded by @KfW_FZ_int, this initiative aims to strengthen epidemiological surveillance and laboratory systems in West Africa. #WAHO

Day 2 saw deep dives into the maintenance of lab equipment and the implementation of lab information systems (#LIMS). Solutions to improve antimicrobial resistance monitoring were also discussed, highlighting the need for improved collaboration. #PROALAB #HealthInnovation

Lomé, Oct 15, 2024 - The 4th Technical Committee Meeting for the #PROALAB project kicked off, focusing on strengthening epidemiological surveillance and lab systems across #ECOWAS region. Partners like @KfW_FZ_int and @WHO are actively participating. #WAHO #HealthSecurity #KfW

@OoasWaho & ASLM are teaming up to enhance lab standards in West Africa supported by @KfW_FZ_int’s #PROALAB project. We're fortifying reference labs & ensuring int. accreditation across 15 countries. Our oversight & training expertise is a game-changer. conta.cc/3vn6At1

Honored to be invited to be part of this group of amazing people that met after attending a wonderful course on global health organized by the @MerieuxFdn. This gathering brought together a highly diverse group of scientists and global health advocates. Thanks to the leadership of @JosephTucker, we published this beautiful opinion piece in @PLOSGPH. People from several institutions such as 1.Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University 2.National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health 3.FIND 4.Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo 5.SAMRC Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Stellenbosch University 6.Heart to Heart International 7.Rodolphe Meriuex Laboratory INRB- Goma 8.College of Health Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology 9.GFA Consulting Group 10.PROALAB, West African Health Organization 11.Institute of Lassa Fever Research and Control, ISTH 12.Immunology and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University 13.University of Las Américas (UDLA) 14.UNITAID 15.Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine 16.Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 17. Universidad de las Américas, UDLA journals.plos.org/globalpubl…

Steering committee of PROALAB

Attending the 3rd Regional Technical and Steering Committee Meeting of the West African PROALAB Project. Updates on laboratory capacity strengthening, AMR, Equipment calibration and integrated sample transportation were discussed with recommendations made. @OoasWaho @Ecowas_cdc

Group Photo of participants to the PROALAB project 3rd technical committee meeting in Saly, July 10 2023 ⁦@OoasWaho⁩ ⁦@Ecowas_cdc⁩ ⁦@KfW_FZ_int⁩

Day 1 PROALAB Poject 3rd technical committee meeting. Discussion focus on Laboratory rehabilitation and equipment, Quality Management System and Bisecurity and biosafety ⁦@OoasWaho⁩ ⁦@Ecowas_cdc⁩ ⁦@KfW_FZ_int⁩

Start today in Saly, Sénégal the third technical committee meeting of the strengthening epidemiological surveillance and laboratory systems in west Africa Project -PROALAB implemented by ⁦@OoasWaho⁩ ⁦@Ecowas_cdc⁩ with the ⁦@KfW_FZ_int⁩ support

Thanks to all the partners that support ⁦@OoasWaho⁩ PROALAB project in West Africa for improving Laboratory system management

Chinelo Ebruke from GFA/PROALAB @OoasWaho project share experiences and results of the laboratory quality management system between 2018 to 2023