ESPEN Reference Laboratory

Overview

Front view of the ESPEN Reference Laboratory in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

The ESPEN Reference Laboratory, based in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, serves as the World Health Organization’s regional hub for diagnostic support, quality assurance, and capacity development for preventive chemotherapy neglected tropical diseases (PC-NTDs). Established in 1991 under the former Onchocerciasis Control Programme, the laboratory has evolved into a centre of excellence providing standardized diagnostic testing, training, and external quality assessment for countries across the WHO African Region.

Through advanced molecular and serological techniques—including Ov16 ELISA and O-150 PCR—the laboratory supports surveillance and verification activities for onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, and other NTDs. It also houses a regional diagnostic hub that supplies essential reagents and consumables, reducing procurement delays and strengthening field operations.

Aligned with ISO 15189 and 17025 standards, the ESPEN Reference Laboratory contributes to reliable data generation, strengthened national laboratory networks, and accelerated progress toward disease elimination in Africa.

What We Do

The ESPEN Reference Laboratory plays a central role in supporting national NTD programmes through four complementary areas of work: diagnostics, capacity building, quality assurance, and logistics support. It provides high-quality diagnostic services using standardized molecular and serological techniques, including Ov16 ELISA for serological confirmation and O-150 PCR for vector surveillance. These laboratory services enable the verification of transmission interruption and guide decisions on stopping or continuing mass drug administration.  

Technician performing sample preparation for PCR testing in the molecular diagnostics room

Beyond diagnostics, the laboratory strengthens national and regional capacity through hands-on training and mentorship programmes for laboratory technicians, entomologists, and programme managers. Tailored courses in ELISA and PCR techniques, quality systems, and field data collection methods ensure sustainability of technical expertise across the region.

The laboratory also leads regional quality assurance and external quality assessment initiatives, promoting harmonized procedures and adherence to ISO standards. Finally, it manages a regional diagnostic hub and warehouse system in Ouagadougou to ensure timely supply of essential reagents, kits, and materials to countries—reducing delays and supporting efficient implementation of surveys and monitoring activities.

Impact & Achievements

Technician preparing samples using an Axygen ELISA reader for onchocerciasis Ov16 antibody detection

Since its revitalization under the Expanded Special Project for the Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN), the Reference Laboratory in Ouagadougou has become a cornerstone for evidence-based decision-making in the African Region. Since 2021, It has processed more than 1.2M blackflies for O-150 PCR analysis from 17 surveys in 10 countries and over 47,000 human serological samples for Ov16 ELISA testing, directly informing national verification of onchocerciasis transmission.

The laboratory has trained and mentored over 300 programme and laboratory staff across more than 20 countries, enhancing national capacity in molecular diagnostics, entomological monitoring, and data management. Through its quality assurance and external quality assessment programmes, it has helped national laboratories adopt harmonized protocols and quality management systems aligned with international standards.

Upgraded warehouses and logistics systems have improved the regional supply of diagnostic materials, reducing stockouts and delays in survey implementation. Together, these achievements demonstrate the laboratory’s vital contribution to accelerating progress toward the elimination of onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, and other PC-NTDs across the continent.