Commitment to Quality Services: ESPEN Laboratory Advances NTD Elimination

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso - The ESPEN laboratory underwent significant improvements to fortify its leadership in the elimination of lymphatic filariasis (LF) and onchocerciasis in the African Region. The ESPEN laboratory based in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso was set up to provide technical support to NTD programmes on epidemiological and entomological surveys; to build capacity building of national officers on the diagnostic techniques for not only onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis, but also for soil-transmitted helminthiases, schistosomiasis, and taeniasis using a One Health approach, and to build capacity of national laboratories through training, and provision of laboratory equipment and consumables for NTD surveillance.

With the generous support from The End Fund, the laboratory has recently acquired modern warehouses tailored for the storage of laboratory supplies. This strategic refurbishment directly tackles challenges faced by countries in procuring and storing equipment and supplies crucial for programmatic evaluations, for the elimination of lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis. The upgraded laboratories have already begun making a tangible impact, addressing immediate challenges and setting the stage for sustained and expanded achievements.

With steadfast support from partners, ESPEN has strategically stocked essential laboratory equipment, facilitating countries' seamless access to vital materials for effective programmatic evaluation activities. In 2023 alone, ESPEN supplied a range of countries, including Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, and Senegal, underlining the organization's commitment to delivering quality results globally.

The laboratory enhancement not only addresses immediate challenges but also lays the groundwork for sustainable and expanded achievements, particularly in the elimination of LF and Onchocerciasis. ESPEN's technical expertise has significantly contributed to certifying Malawi and Togo for LF elimination and supporting countries like Benin, Cameroon, Comoros, Eritrea, Mali, Sao Tome and Principe, and Uganda in ceasing Mass Drug Administration. In the fight against Onchocerciasis, ESPEN's strides, including Niger's anticipated certification in 2024, and Senegal halting MDA, highlight the organization's commitment to delivering tangible results.

These milestones underscore ESPEN's unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact in the global effort to eliminate NTDs. The refurbished laboratories are poised to elevate the organization's impact to new heights, ensuring that ESPEN continues to play a pivotal role in achieving global NTD elimination goals.