We provide support and training opportunities to laboratories in the Asia-Pacific region that contribute to the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS). In order to meet national needs and to play a role in GISRS, our regional partners require appropriate resources and expertise for laboratory-based detection of influenza virus and submission of samples to a WHO Collaborating Centre. Strong diagnostic and processing capabilities help regional laboratories to fulfil their key role in in global influenza surveillance and improve pandemic preparedness.

Our Centre provides technical support and training to laboratory staff, as well as advice regarding equipment and methods for laboratory-based detection of influenza virus. Our partners include WHO Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO), WHO South-East Asian Regional Office (SEARO), the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Regional Emerging Diseases Intervention (REDI), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Our support and training activities generally take one of three forms:

Training on site at regional laboratories. A specialist staff member from WHO CC visits the regional laboratory to help establish and/or provide training in specific techniques for detection of influenza virus.

Regional workshops held at WHO CC in Melbourne or a regional venue. Laboratory scientists and managers from different countries convene for a multi-day workshop focusing on specific technical methods of influenza detection and analysis. Training is provided by WHO CC specialists and generally combines both background presentations and practical hands-on exercises. Workshop attendees have an opportunity to meet and exchange experiences with other influenza scientists from the region.

In-house training held at WHO CC in Melbourne. Staff from regional laboratories spend several days with WHO CC specialists to gain detailed understanding of specific techniques to detect influenza virus. WHO CC maintains an ongoing role in advising and supporting regional laboratories as they establish and strengthen their technical capabilities.

Please contact us if you would like to know more about training opportunities with WHO CC in Melbourne.

RECENT TRAINING ACTIVITIES
We are pleased to welcome Dr Jude Jayamaha (pictured right) from the Medical Research Institute in Colombo, Sri Lanka, who is undertaking extensive training in techniques of cell culture, virus isolation and sequencing over a six month period at the Centre from September 2011 to February 2012.

During August and September 2011, the Centre was visited by three scientists for training in cell culture, virus isolation and molecular detection of influenza viruses by Centre staff. We were pleased to host Ms Jacinta Kono (pictured below left, front) and Ms Marinjho Jonduo (pictured below left, back) from the Institute of Medical Research in Papua New Guinea, and Mr Apaitia Vakacegu (pictured below right) from Mataika House, Fiji.