Laboratory services
Well-managed, high-functioning laboratory services play a crucial role in public health. WHO/Europe coordinates laboratory networks and works with WHO collaborating centres to support the surveillance and control of targeted diseases such as polio, measles, rubella, influenza and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis
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Well-prepared laboratories are first line of defence against novel coronavirus in Europe
Timely detection of a contagious pathogen is vital to controlling its spread. In response to the emergency of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), WHO is working closely with a network of designated laboratories in the WHO European Region and other WHO regions to ensure that every country has the capacity and resources required to quickly test, report and respond to any suspected cases of the disease. In particular, WHO/Europe is facilitating shipment of testing kits, within a month of the virus first being isolated.
Better Labs for Better Health
Through the Better Labs for Better Health (BLBH) initiative and in line with WHO’s global vision, WHO/Europe assists countries to improve the overall quality of their laboratory services.
Read more about the Better Labs for Better Health initiativeBetter Labs for Better Health report
Better Labs for Better Health – strengthening laboratory systems in the WHO European Region. Progress report 2016–2017
Concept note
Health laboratory strengthening: an essential component of early warning surveillance and response systems and a national core capacity of the IHR.
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Laboratory networks and outbreak response
WHO/Europe coordinates activities related to emerging viral pathogens through the global Especially Dangerous Pathogens Laboratory Network (EDPLN). It also establishes ad hoc networks when needed.
Read more about laboratory networks and outbreak responseBiorisk management
WHO/Europe supports biosafety and biosecurity in the Region by providing training. WHO has developed several tools and training courses in biosafety and biosecurity.
Tools and training courses in biosafety and biosecurity
