Mozambique’s INS Recognized as National Influenza Centre by WHO

The World Health Organization has designated the INS Virology Laboratory as Mozambique’s National Influenza Centre, acknowledging its role in monitoring respiratory viruses. This recognition follows a thorough evaluation, affirming the laboratory’s data quality. Directors Nédio Mabunda and Jorfélia Chilaúle expressed commitment to maintaining high standards and advancing technological capabilities for improved health surveillance.

Recently, the World Health Organization recognized the Virology Laboratory of the National Institute of Health (INS) as Mozambique’s National Influenza Centre (NIC). This acknowledgment is a testament to the laboratory’s significant role in monitoring and diagnosing influenza and other respiratory viruses on both national and global levels. The WHO’s evaluation focused on the laboratory’s analytical processes, management, and the quality of disseminated results, confirming their high standards for informed decision-making.

Nédio Mabunda, the director of the Public Health Laboratories Division, emphasized that this recognition stems from the laboratory’s dedication to tracking influenza and respiratory viruses since 2013. He pointed out that the INS has achieved accreditation for 25 tests, highlighting their ongoing commitment to quality.

Mabunda remarked, “This certification is a major milestone for Mozambique and for the Virology Laboratory, as it has achieved international recognition,” affirming that the laboratory will continue to uphold high-quality standards and implement internationally recognized protocols in their data collection and analysis processes.

Jorfélia Chilaúle, the head of the Department of Virology, expressed her enthusiasm regarding this recognition, which underscores the laboratory’s technical capacity in the prevention and control of influenza and respiratory viruses. She outlined future plans to enhance technology, provide support to network laboratories, and assess vaccine quality in collaboration with Portuguese-speaking countries.

Additionally, Almiro Tivane, coordinator of the Surveillance of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs), expressed his contentment with the laboratory’s achievements, noting its pivotal role within the surveillance system. He highlighted the potential for Mozambique to serve as a regional reference point in ARI surveillance following this recognition.

The INS Virology Laboratory has operated since 2013, focusing on laboratory-based sentinel surveillance of ARIs. This measure enables continuous monitoring of epidemiological trends, seasonality, and the circulation of various respiratory viruses, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2.

The recognition of the INS Virology Laboratory as Mozambique’s National Influenza Centre highlights its commitment to quality and its vital role in public health. Achieving this certification from the WHO is a significant milestone, affirming the laboratory’s capabilities in disease surveillance and prevention. Future plans include the adoption of new technologies and continued support for regional laboratories, enhancing Mozambique’s position in the field of respiratory virus monitoring.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com