A: BACKGROUND

The launching of the Global Health Security Agenda [GHSA] in 2014 marked collectively global efforts in moving towards a safe and secure world from infectious threats, as well as promoting global health security as an international security priority. GHSA aims to accelerate and complement an implementation of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) by adopting a multi – sectoral approach.

Among other GHSA Action Packages, the “Detect 1: National Laboratory System” aims to strive for “real-time bio-surveillance with a capable national laboratory system, utilizing effective modern point-of-care and laboratory-based diagnostics”.

Working closely with other lead countries [South Africa, Uganda, and USA,], Thailand, through the Department of Medical Sciences [DMSc], Ministry of Public Health, has taken a leading role in supporting the GHSA member countries to strengthen their national laboratory system. A series of regional activities have been conducted since 2015.