Strong laboratory services are essential for detecting diseases early, confirming diagnoses, and supporting timely outbreak response. They also help guide treatment, strengthen surveillance, and protect communities.

More than 50 laboratory technicians from across Syria recently participated in specialized training on the diagnosis of priority epidemic diseases, including malaria and leishmaniasis. The training, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and funded by Italy through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), covered sample collection and transportation, laboratory diagnostic protocols, and biosafety procedures. It also ensured that laboratory staff are up to date with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices for safe and accurate testing.