As research findings show, structured training & EQA significantly boost proficiency and reduce diagnostic errors. Aligned with WHO recommendations for quality-assured diagnostics, REACH Ethiopia in collaboration with Bulehora University, regional laboratories (Bulehora and Shashemene), and four Zonal Health Departments (Borena, East Borena, Guji, and West Guji)—successfully conducted a comprehensive AFB Microscopy and EQA training for 60 laboratory professionals.
The training focused on standard microscopy, biosafety, data management, and proper specimen referral for molecular Drug Susceptibility Testing (DST) via GeneXpert. By improving adherence to national guidelines and the WHO algorithm, this effort aims to enhance TB case detection, minimize specimen rejections, and drive early detection of drug-resistant and childhood TB—ultimately to save lives affected by TB.
This life-saving activity is supported by the U.S. Government foreign assistance division through the Urban TB LON II Project.