Friday, April 19, 2024
4/19/2024
The increase in the number of PLHIV on treatment in Nigeria as the result of the ongoing ART Surge program and the emerging/re-emerging of infectious diseases such as COVID-19, Lassa fever and MoneyPox is putting pressure on the latent laboratory system. Data reveals that viral load coverage across Sub-National Units (SNUs) and Sub-Populations is sub-optimal. Building on our extensive experience and successes of our in-house SLMTA master trainers (50% of SLMTA master trainers in Nigeria are APIN staff) in supporting GoN laboratories to achieve international accreditation (ISO 15189 standard) and in testing 33% of the total VL test done in Nigeria in FY 21 despite supporting only 3 out of the 11 PEPFAR PCR laboratories; our REsilient Laboratory Systems Strengthening Optimized for Integrated Diseases SurveillANCE (RELIANCE) project, will implement innovative approaches to enhance delivery of VL, IVT/EID, HIVDR, and TB services and strengthen the diagnostic capacity of GoN laboratories for testing, surveillance, and reporting of diseases of public health importance. To strengthen the national Tiered-Network of Public Health Laboratories for advanced diagnostics and laboratory-based IDS, we will carry out human resources, capacity and equipment needs assessment and facilitate corrective actions; deploy LIMS solutions for real-time reporting of data as well as support interoperability with existing surveillance data management systems, and deploy APIN-developed mobile application (s-Tracker) to track sample transportation and return of results. In addition, we will optimize molecular diagnostic testing for HIV, TB, and other diseases of public health importance and increase capacity utilization by increasing hours of operations, infrastructure upgrade, strengthen capacity of cold chain storage and deploy the use of barcode labels to improve the Remote Sample Logging process and provide a central dashboard at FMOH for real-time performance monitoring. Similarly, we will deploy our pool of internationally recognised SLMTA master trainers and ASLM SLIPTA auditors to deliver robust QMS across the laboratory network by strengthening lab CQI activities, deploying standardized QA tools, supporting production of PT and IQC panels for VL and IVT and through periodic mentorship and audit of NEQAL. Furthermore, to implement and optimize equipment management systems across CDC supported laboratories, this project will support FMOH to develop policy and guidelines for standardization, maintenance and decommissioning of laboratory equipment. We will build capacity on calibration services and harmonize alert systems for GeneXpert machines to all diagnostic equipment. We will implement comprehensive biosafety, biosecurity, and waste management across the laboratory network by developing guidelines and SOPs to guide Biosafety and Biosecurity practices in collaboration with stakeholders and improve capacity of molecular laboratories on biosafety through technical assistance, and mentorship. This project will deploy software applications to track t he transfer of dangerous wastes from the point of pick-up to incineration. In addition, we will establish and implement sustainable supply chain management for laboratory reagents, equipment, consumables, and supplies in CDC-supported laboratories through the implementation of data-driven logistic system and the use of NAVISION-an electronic logistic tool. Laboratory program coordination and leadership by GON at all levels will be strengthened through technical assistance, training, support for workplan and budget development, and the use of laboratory data for performance monitoring and decision making. The RELIANCE project will deploy APIN’s rich resources of technology, infrastructure, human resources, financial and management systems in a coordinated manner to achieve sustained delivery of quality-assured laboratory services for HIV, TB, and other diseases.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
