In collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), European Union (EU) is working to enhance laboratory services in Serbia. Strengthening laboratory services is crucial, as highlighted by the experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The initiatives undertaken, such as the three-day training on laboratory biosafety, biosecurity, and risk assessment in Niš, as well as the 2-day trainings on waste management, are essential steps toward ensuring a safer and more efficient working environment for laboratory professionals. These efforts demonstrate a commitment to addressing identified gaps in the national laboratory system. The focus on capacity-building activities, including the mentorship program for Laboratory Quality Management System (LQMS), is a significant stride toward aligning the laboratory standards in Serbia with international quality norms. The training of national laboratory experts and their subsequent support to laboratories across institutes of public health is a commendable strategy to achieve this goal.
The mentorship program, initiated between November and December 2023, and the ongoing support throughout 2024, showcase a sustained commitment to continuous improvement in laboratory services. The development of action plans with concrete steps is a practical approach to ensuring measurable progress.
The overall impact of these initiatives is reflected in the strengthening of 162 laboratory workers, contributing to the provision of high-quality laboratory diagnostic services for the people of Serbia. This not only aligns with the goals of the EU initiative but also promotes universal health coverage and the overarching principle of health for all.
The ongoing collaboration and support provided by WHO mentors, including regular advice, consultations, and follow-up, are essential components that contribute to the sustainability and effectiveness of the improvements in the Laboratory Quality Management System.
In summary, the outlined activities and achievements demonstrate a holistic approach to enhancing laboratory services in Serbia, ensuring that the country is better equipped to handle various health challenges while promoting universal access to high-quality diagnostic services.