Strengthening Laboratory Capacity

At a glance

Laboratories are essential to health and public health systems—they are critical for detecting cases, monitoring treatment, and tracking drug resistance for diseases like HIV and tuberculosis (TB). As the lead technical agency implementing the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), CDC strengthens laboratory systems and networks worldwide.

A woman in a lab coat works at a machine in safety glasses.

Overview

Laboratory systems and services are the foundation of global HIV and TB programs. Through PEPFAR, CDC works with countries to:

  • Build public health laboratories and testing networks.
  • Implement quality improvement practices to strengthen laboratories.
  • Introduce and improve the use of innovative laboratory technologies—from point-of-care testing to electronic delivery of test results—to better reach people where they are.

CDC and its partners support more than 11,000 laboratories or point-of-care testing sites across more than 33 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Laboratories at CDC's headquarters serve as World Health Organization reference centers to monitor HIV and TB drug resistance. CDC's role helps countries determine whether or how to adjust local programs.

Map with countries where CDC supports laboratories or point-of-care testing sites shaded in blue
Map of countries where CDC supports laboratories or point-of-care testing sites.

Since PEPFAR's launch more than twenty years ago, CDC works with countries to build efficient, integrated, and adaptable laboratory systems and networks. This ensures accurate and timely laboratory services to support HIV and TB prevention, detection, treatment, and surveillance.

CDC helps public health labs in international settings achieve accreditation‎

CDC has helped more than 330 public health laboratories in low- and middle-income countries achieve accreditation to international standards. Achieving accreditation is a key milestone for ensuring laboratory systems continue to provide accurate and timely disease diagnosis, prevention, and control in the countries where we work.

Improving laboratory capacity enhances the ability to identify and prevent the spread of HIV, TB, and other diseases, including emerging infections, that threaten health and safety of Americans and people around the world.

Print
Content Source:
Global Health Center