With support from the U.S. Government under Urban TB LON II Project, a four-day training on the Integrated Laboratory Specimen Transportation & Referral Linkage System was conducted for health facilities in Shaggar City. This initiative, in collaboration with the Shaggar City Health Office and the Fiche Public Health Research and Referral Laboratory, aims to strengthen the laboratory network and improve access to timely, quality diagnostic services, directly supporting the national effort to end TB. The training’s objectives were to build the capacity of health professionals in proper specimen handling, referral, and result reporting, as well as to enhance communication within the referral system.
During the training, 27 laboratory professionals and 17 specimen couriers were equipped with the skills to strengthen specimen referral and improve the use of GeneXpert TB diagnostics. Participants also identified and proposed solutions for critical challenges such as transport delays and supply shortages. As a result, health facilities are now better prepared to implement key actions that will improve the specimen referral system, expand access to high-quality TB diagnostic services, and ultimately save lives by ensuring timely diagnosis and improved patient outcomes in the region.
