Influenza laboratory capacity in the EMR

ABSTRACT

As of March 2018, a total of 21 influenza laboratories from 20 countries of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region [EMR] have built their capacities to detect and diagnose seasonal influenza. Of these, 16 are National Influenza Centers [NICs]. These laboratories have varying capabilities and capacities in monitoring seasonal influenza virus and responding to the emergence of novel influenza virus sub-types, reassortant viruses, and other newly emerging respiratory pathogens in a timely and coordinated manner