The World Health Organization has recognized the Virology Laboratory at Mozambique’s National Institute of Health as the National Influenza Centre. This acknowledgment reflects the laboratory’s significant contributions to the monitoring and diagnosis of influenza and respiratory viruses. Director Nédio Mabunda indicated that this certification emphasizes the laboratory’s commitment to quality. With ongoing enhancements, the laboratory aims to become a regional leader in respiratory infection surveillance.
Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognized the Virology Laboratory of the National Institute of Health (INS) in Mozambique as the National Influenza Centre (NIC). This acknowledgment stems from the laboratory’s significant role in monitoring and diagnosing influenza along with other respiratory viruses both nationally and globally. The WHO’s evaluation confirmed the high quality of the laboratory’s analytical processes and management of results, making it a pivotal player in informed decision-making regarding public health.
Nédio Mabunda, Director of the Public Health Laboratories Division, emphasized that this recognition reflects the continuous effort of the laboratory since 2013 in surveillance activities related to influenza and respiratory viruses. He underscored that the laboratory has successfully accredited 25 tests at the INS level. “This certification is a major milestone for Mozambique and for the Virology Laboratory, as it has achieved international recognition,” he stated, assuring that they will uphold high quality standards and adhere to internationally recognized protocols.
Jorfélia Chilaúle, head of the Department of Virology, expressed her satisfaction with the laboratory’s recognition, remarking on its enhanced technical capacity to fight influenza and related respiratory viruses. She affirmed her commitment to sustaining this recognition by advancing technologies, such as viral isolation and antigenicity analysis, while also collaborating with network laboratories to provide external quality assessment panels for Portuguese-speaking countries.
Almiro Tivane, coordinator of the Surveillance of Acute Respiratory Infections, also voiced his contentment, highlighting the importance of this achievement for the surveillance system. He remarked that this recognition positions Mozambique as a potential regional leader in the monitoring of respiratory infections, further enhancing the country’s healthcare capabilities.
Since 2013, the INS Virology Laboratory has been actively diagnosing influenza and other respiratory viruses through laboratory-based sentinel surveillance systems. This initiative allows for ongoing monitoring of epidemiological trends, circulation, and seasonality of various respiratory viruses, including influenza variants and SARS-COV-2.
The recognition of the INS Virology Laboratory as Mozambique’s National Influenza Centre by the WHO marks a significant achievement in public health. This certification highlights the laboratory’s dedication to high analytical quality in monitoring influenza and respiratory viruses. Moving forward, the laboratory aims to enhance its capabilities while contributing to regional health initiatives, solidifying its role as a key player in respiratory disease surveillance.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
