CDC, Health Ministry host workshop to improve microbiology lab competencies

AMMAN — President of the Jordan Centre for Disease Control (JCDC) Adel Bilbeisi on Tuesday stressed the crucial role of laboratories in the early diagnosis of pathogens, which helps prescribe appropriate treatment in record time and reduce the rate of antimicrobial-resistant microbes.

Bilbeisi made the remarks during a three-day workshop held by the centre in cooperation with the  Ministry of Health and supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.  

The workshop aims to train participants on applying international laboratory standards for testing bacterial sensitivity to antimicrobials and standardising operating procedures across laboratories to enhance the efficiency of microbiology lab workers and improve the lab results of culture samples from various sources.

Bilbeisi said that the workshop targets 42 laboratories that provide data for the annual antimicrobial resistance report, and it will eventually include all national laboratories to improve the quality of reports and data and enhance the skills of their staff.

He also highlighted that the WHO is a strategic partner of the centre in improving the national health system, supporting various projects that have boosted national capabilities and developed healthcare infrastructure.

WHO Representative in Jordan Jamilah Raibi referred to the partnership and significant, fruitful cooperation with Jordan in all health fields, expressing her happiness in collaborating with the centre to support such workshops.

Director of the Central Laboratories Directorate at the Ministry of Health Mahmoud Ghazo stressed the importance of holding the workshop to enhance the competencies of laboratory workers, especially in microbiology laboratories, in light of the rising numbers of antimicrobial-resistant microbes.