22/05/2024
SPOTLIGHT ON THE THEME OF THE 18TH ANNUAL PUBLIC HEALTH LECTURE: MITIGATING INTRACTABLE DISEASES OUTBREAK THROUGH STRENGTHENING MEDICAL LABORATORY SERVICES
The successful expansion of laboratory testing capacity was instrumental in the control and management of disease outbreaks and critical in the implementation of public response strategies. Significantly, laboratory diagnosis is an essential element of communicable disease surveillance, both for routine confirmation of infections and for the rapid identification of the cause of outbreaks and epidemics. Surveillance is the ongoing, systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data.
Intractable diseases refer to rare diseases that have resulted mostly from unidentified causes and/or lack of clearly established curable treatments. In the modern era, many would assume that the etiology and management of most human diseases have been established owing to current advances in knowledge and sophisticated technology. In reality, however, there are still a substantial number of diseases for which we have little or no information concerning cause and treatment. These diseases include many congenital or inherited conditions such as congenital biliary atresia, Marfan syndrome, and CINCA syndrome
The theme of the PHL will delve into the critical role of robust medical laboratory services in the prevention and control of intractable diseases. It'll explore how advancements in laboratory techniques and infrastructure can significantly enhance the ability of medical laboratories to detect, respond to, and ultimately mitigate the spread of infectious diseases. From innovative diagnostic technologies to capacity-building initiatives, the presentation will uncover the pivotal role of medical laboratories in safeguarding public health.
The presentation will expectedly cover the following aspects:
1. Understanding the Impact of Intractable Diseases: Explore the challenges posed by intractable diseases and their potential consequences on public health and society.
2. Strengthening Laboratory Capacities: Highlight on the essential components of a resilient medical laboratory system and how investments in infrastructure, human resources, and quality assurance are fundamental to its success.
3. Leveraging Technological Innovations: Discover how cutting-edge diagnostic technologies and digital solutions are revolutionizing disease detection and surveillance, enabling rapid response and containment efforts.
4. Building Collaborative Partnerships: Explore the importance of collaboration between medical laboratories, public health agencies, academia, and other stakeholders in strengthening disease prevention and control measures.
5. Case Studies and Success Stories: Hear real-life examples of how strengthened medical laboratory services have made a tangible impact in mitigating disease outbreaks and saving lives in Nigeria and across the globe.
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