Empowering Medical Laboratory Scientists: Applied Molecular Epidemiology Training for Infectious Disease Surveillance

In a bid to enhance outbreak response and public health interventions, the University of Ghana School of Public Health, in partnership with the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, has organized a specialized training program for Medical Laboratory Scientists. The short course on Applied Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases aims to equip participants with cutting-edge molecular diagnostic techniques, strengthening health security and disease surveillance capabilities.

Empowering Medical Laboratory Scientists
Molecular epidemiology plays a vital role in modern disease surveillance, enabling rapid detection, tracking, and characterization of infectious disease outbreaks. To build the capacity of Medical Laboratory Scientists, this initiative focuses on hands-on training in genetic pathogen characterization and outbreak detection.

Enhancing Diagnostic Accuracy and Data-Driven Decision-Making
The two-week intensive training program provides participants with practical experience in molecular diagnostic techniques, fostering diagnostic accuracy and data-driven decision-making. By strengthening laboratory networks and equipping Medical Laboratory Scientists with expertise in molecular epidemiology, the course contributes to combating emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.

Supporting Global Health Security
Dr. Gloria Amegatcher, Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists and one of the facilitators for the course, emphasized the importance of empowering Medical Laboratory Scientists with molecular diagnostic skills. “By building the capacity of Medical Laboratory Scientists, we can enhance disease surveillance, outbreak response, and public health interventions, ultimately supporting global health security.”

A Step Towards Strengthening Health Systems
This collaborative effort between the University of Ghana School of Public Health and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health demonstrates a commitment to strengthening health systems and enhancing disease surveillance capabilities. By investing in the training and development of Medical Laboratory Scientists, we can ensure more effective responses to infectious disease outbreaks and promote global health security.