The project has four key objectives:
- Protect existing testing services for HIV, TB and malaria
- Optimise testing capabilities through integrating testing systems for COVID-19, HIV, TB and malaria
- Enhance quality, capacity and safety of laboratory testing for high impact infectious diseases in the COVID-19 era
- Enhance laboratory networks and cross-country collaboration
2021-2023
Burnet Institute is part of the IndoPacLab consortium led by Kirby Institute, working alongside Doherty Institute, CHAI, and FIND, specifically within PNG.
In 2021-2022, Burnet supported a needs assessment process (including a desktop review and series of laboratory assessments) which captured the strengths and key areas for improvement of the medical laboratory sector across PNG.
Following prioritisation of needs by key laboratory stakeholders, including the National Laboratory Technical Working Group, a project work-plan was developed. Under the work-plan, Burnet is contributing to three key outcomes during IndoPacLab’s implementation phase:
- Strengthened inventory management in four provinces, within Provincial/District/Health centre laboratories
- Strengthened human resources systems to support appropriately skilled staff in laboratories
- Improved quality of testing for COVID-19, HIV, TB and malaria through targeted staff training
By strengthening testing for COVID-19, HIV, TB and malaria, IndoPacLab will contribute to improving the diagnosis of these diseases for people in PNG, Cambodia and Laos. In PNG, the project focuses on provincial and peripheral laboratories, reaching facilities that are not often serviced by large grants.
Funding
Partners
- Supported by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Indo-Pacific Centre for Health Security, the Global Fund, and the Kirby Institute
Partners +
Collaborators
- Kirby Institute
- Doherty Institute
- Clinton Health Access Initiative
- FIND
Project
Team
Meet the project team. Together, we are translating research into better health, for all.
