Report on preparatory workshop for establishment of the European Regional Laboratory task force for high threat pathogens (Lab task force) (2019)

International networks for laboratory surveillance, preparedness and response are an important tool for laboratory strengthening, because they can serve both as a platform for sharing information and expertise, and as a system for referral of diagnostic specimens for primary and confirmatory testing. Among the WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) priority countries in the European Region, a number do not participate in international laboratory preparedness and response networks for High Threat Pathogens (HTPs), which represents a key gap. To address this gap, WHO Regional Office for Europe is establishing the European Regional Laboratory Task Force for High Threat Pathogens (Lab Task Force).

To establish the Lab Task Force, a preparatory meeting was held in Istanbul in January 2019 to discuss the Terms of Reference for the Lab Task Force and associated partners; to establish a laboratory capacity and capability reviewing tool; to discuss the need and establishment of External Quality Assessments (EQA) for prioritized HTPs; and to discuss the networking activities of the Lab Task Force.