Syria strengthens labs to improve disease detection
WHO-backed training equips technicians to identify outbreaks faster and support more effective patient care
ALEPPO, Syria (MNTV) — More than 50 laboratory technicians from across Syria have completed specialized training aimed at improving the detection and diagnosis of infectious diseases, as health authorities work to strengthen outbreak preparedness and public health surveillance.
The program was organized by the World Health Organization in cooperation with Syria’s Ministry of Health and funded by Italy through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.
Participants received instruction on diagnosing priority epidemic diseases, including malaria and leishmaniasis, as well as sample collection, transportation procedures, laboratory testing protocols and biosafety standards.
Health officials said the training is designed to ensure laboratory staff follow updated standard operating procedures and international best practices for accurate and safe testing.
For many patients, stronger laboratory services can significantly reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Jalal Bateeh, a resident of Rural Damascus, said his brother was quickly tested for malaria after falling ill following a trip abroad. He said the process was completed free of charge at a public laboratory, allowing the family to obtain results promptly without visiting multiple health facilities.
Dr. Wasim Battah, director of laboratories and medical tests at the Ministry of Health, said laboratory services play a central role in diagnosing diseases and supporting clinical decision-making.
He noted that enhanced training helps technicians identify illnesses more rapidly and enables patients to receive appropriate treatment sooner.
Laboratory technician Ramia Al-Soufi said the program has already produced tangible results, citing a disease case in one governorate that was accurately diagnosed locally, with findings later confirmed by the reference laboratory in Damascus.
She said improved skills reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for testing and diagnosis.
As part of the broader initiative, Italian funding will also support the rehabilitation of two public health laboratories and the digitalization of health data systems.
Health officials say the measures will strengthen Syria’s disease surveillance capacity, improve emergency preparedness and support the long-term recovery of the country’s healthcare system.
WHO said the project builds on Italy’s support for Syria’s health sector since 2020 and is intended to improve the country’s ability to respond to current and future public health threats.
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