Past Projects
-
This project involved a collaboration with Libya’s National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), National Centre for Animal Health (NCAH), and Libyan Environment General Authority (EGA) to strengthen multisectoral coordination in the detection, reporting and response to key zoonotic diseases. Our team worked with colleagues at NCDC, NCAH and EGA to identify and rank a list of priority zoonotic diseases leading to the selection of five key zoonoses in Libya. We used the methodology outlined in our One Health Systems Assessment for Priority Zoonoses (OH-SAPZ) tool to conduct a systems map to define modes and mechanisms for communication and coordination across surveillance and laboratory systems for pathogen detection, response and recovery in Libya. This collaboration resulted in a systems analysis and roadmap for zoonotic disease detection, reporting and response in Libya and was presented at the 2022 Global Health Security Conference. This project was funded by the U.S. Department of State, Biosecurity Engagement Program from 2019-2022.
-
This project was the first of its kind to assess and develop a laboratory risk assessment tool for Libyan public health and veterinary laboratories across the country. The self-laboratory assessment tool (S-LAT) was created, in partnership with our colleagues at the Jordan University of Science and Technology to focus on key challenges observed through surveys and outreach to regional and subnational level laboratories in Libya. The tool has been specifically tailored to support the systematic analysis of public health and veterinary laboratory structures and capabilities to provide insight on gaps specific to biosafety and waste management. The S-LAT focuses on laboratory infrastructure and equipment, administration and training, biorisk management systems, specimen collection, handling, transport and referral and waste management. It is designed for the self-assessment of biorisk management functions in a research or diagnostic laboratory and can be completed internally by laboratory personnel and does not rely on external experts coming to the facility. In addition to the assessment, the S-LAT contains an action plan that can be used to facilitate implementing any identified gaps and determine short-, mid- and long-term activities that will strengthen capacity. Our tool is available in Arabic, French and English for download and use and can be accompanied by our remote training on laboratory biosafety, biosecurity and waste management best practices. This project was funded by the U.S. Department of State, Biosecurity Engagement Program from 2018-2022.
-
For projects completed before 2018, please visit the Elizabeth R. Griffin Research Foundation’s page..