Activities Based on 2005 Assessment
In May 2005 Dr. Robert Martin of CDC and Ralph Timperi of APHL came to China at the invitation from CCDC and the Chinese Field Epidemiology Training Program to conduct an assessment of laboratory infectious disease testing capability and capacity.
Using a quality management system assessment, US CDC and APHL conducted an evaluation of a sample of public health laboratories. They identified major strengths and challenges to obtaining information for joint project planning with CCDC. While US CDC and APHL team members conducted their review, CCDC team members employed a standard WHO rapid assessment tool at the same laboratories to determine the operational characteristics of the laboratories visited.
Three-Year Plan
US CDC/APHL and CCDC developed a three-year plan for the project that will supplement CCDC activities to strengthen the laboratory network, improve the quality of laboratory services, and enhance the sensitivity and accuracy of laboratory-based surveillance.
US CDC has made available funding for personnel and resources to supplement the significant resource commitment from China’s Ministry of Health to strengthen the public health laboratory network. Since 2003, CCDC has made major investments in public health laboratory infrastructure, including new health center facilities with dedicated laboratory space, personnel and equipment. The agency has identified priorities for ongoing improvements in the public health laboratory network for disease surveillance, including improvements in quality management systems. Meetings between the Chinese CDC and US CDC generated a set of activities to be accomplished under the memorandum of understanding.
Training in Quality Systems at CCDC
US CDC and APHL joined CCDC faculty to present a four-day, quality systems workshop for provincial laboratory directors and supervisors, and national laboratory quality management staff.
Eight senior professionals from CCDC, including the Deputy Director of CCDC, Dr. Yang Weizhong, and the Director of Disease Control and Emergency Response, Dr. Feng Zijian, attended the APHL Annual Meeting in June 2007 in Jacksonville, Florida. Four senior professionals from CCDC attended the APHL-GWU International Institute for Public Health Laboratory Management in October 2007 in Washington, DC.
Achievements in 2006-2007
US CDC/APHL activities completed under the MOU in 2006-2007 include:
• On-site assessment of laboratories in Jiangsu, Hubei and Shanxi Provinces to understand the current disease and laboratory surveillance system, and how diagnostic services are provided for infectious diseases at the Province, Prefecture, City/District and County/Local levels.
• A workshop with presentations by CCDC, US CDC and APHL on the Chinese and US laboratory systems, and the role and organizational relationships of the public health laboratories in the health system.