Laboratory analyses also provide useful information for control and prevention such as subtypes, drug susceptibility, and the source of infections. A total of 19 Collaborating Centres in the Region have been established to provide laboratory support. These collaborating centres cover different diseases including arbovirus, influenza, viral hepatitis, leptospirosis, zoonoses, HTLV-I, Hantavirus and dengue. Regional reference laboratories have also been identified for other important diseases such as cholera. Laboratory networks for different diseases are to be established, which involve regional, national and peripheral laboratories.
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern worldwide in both developed and developing countries.
It is important to monitor resistant patterns regularly. To achieve this, a Network on Antimicrobial Resistance was initiated in 1990 in the Region. The surveillance targets 26 bacteria that are of public health importance. There are 14 focal laboratories in 13 countries and areas. The laboratories annually report drug resistance data for four to 15 antibiotics for each bacterium to the Regional Office.