Dar es Salaam: Tanzania’s National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) has achieved full accreditation for measles and rubella testing, marking a major milestone in global health efforts. This accreditation allows the lab to independently conduct and report tests, becoming a pivotal member of the WHO laboratory network.

This was affirmed in an onsite assessment led by World Health Organization (WHO) with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI).

Dr. Charles Sagoe Moses, the Country Representative, praises this achievement as a significant step in Tanzania's commitment to eliminating measles and rubella, “Tanzania's journey towards eliminating measles and rubella highlights a remarkable success story of laboratory advancement and dedication. WHO has been supporting the laboratory throughout the process of attaining accreditation by providing training, technical support, and financial assistance. The country’s commitment and progress in this area serve as an inspiring example for global health initiatives”.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Tanzania's NPHL achieved ISO 15189:2012 accreditation from SADCAS, enhancing its diagnostic capabilities. The lab's capacity was bolstered by implementing measles and rubella ELISA serological testing and referring samples for genotyping to the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI). The COVID-19 pandemic led to reduced testing due to staff redeployments and turnover.

Despite these setbacks, Tanzania focused on rebuilding its laboratory capabilities. By 2021, a collaborative training program involving WHO, CDC, UVRI, National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), and the Victorian Institute for Infectious Diseases improved lab performance, including serology testing and data management through a comprehensive training and mentorship program. This initiative successfully trained 10 laboratory scientists in serology testing and data management, leading to notable improvements in laboratory performance and successful completion of WHO External Quality Assessments (EQA).

Between 2022 and 2024, the NPHL aligned with the WHO Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network to advance molecular characterization. Additionally, the NPHL had successfully implemented these techniques, genotyping, and sequencing for over 60 measles samples and contributing to the WHO Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network MeaNS2.

Dr.  Dr. Charles Byabamazima, the Coordinator of the WHO Intercountry Support Office for East and Southern Africa Measles and Rubella Laboratory underscored; “Tanzania’s dedication to rebuilding and advancing its laboratory capabilities after the COVID-19 disruption stands as a powerful example for the world. The Country’s commitment to a comprehensive health agenda is a model for others to follow.”

Apart from this significant milestone, the Tanzania’s NPHL also received the prestigious Measles & Rubella Partnership Champion Global Award at the American Red Cross headquarters in Washington, D.C earlier this year. This accolade recognized the laboratory’s exceptional leadership in advancing measles epidemiology through comprehensive molecular detection, significantly improving surveillance and elimination efforts.

On his part, Mr. Ambele Mwafulango, the NPHL Laboratory Manager noted, “Indeed we are beyond happy for this remarkable achievement. Achieving this goal required a robust surveillance system capable of detecting both endemic and import-related cases, supported by high-quality laboratory testing. Through WHO and partners, we are indeed proud for this advancement for public health agenda across the Tanzania and the continent”.

Tanzania’s success story in enhancing laboratory testing for measles and rubella demonstrates a significant achievement in public health. Through dedication, collaboration, and resilience, Tanzania has strengthened its laboratory capabilities, contributing significantly to the global effort to eliminate these diseases and improve health outcomes for children and families.