WHO in collaboration with the Ministry of Health conducted a workshop for the staff of the public health laboratories  under the EWARS programme, from 2 to 4 December 2013.

Inadequacy of samples collected for diseases reported under EWARS prompted the need to train laboratory staff and technicians on specimen issues (i.e. collecting, preserving and shipping specimens to the reference laboratory or public health laboratories in governorates). The main objectives of the workshop were to refresh the knowledge of the participants on laboratory issues related to the diseases reported under EWARS programme, methods of laboratory diagnosis and specimen issues.

The workshop was attended by 58 participants from the reference laboratory in Damascus and the public health laboratories in the governorates of Daraa and Suwaida.

Participants recommended conducting more training workshops on laboratory diagnosis of diseases reported under EWARS, in addition to sustaining the collaboration between WHO and the Ministry of Health to achieve the goals of the EWARS programme.

WHO in collaboration with the Ministry of Health conducted a workshop for the public health laboratory staff under the EWARS programme, from 3 to 5 November 2013.

The main objectives of the workshop were to refresh the knowledge of the participants on laboratory issues related to the diseases reported under EWARS programme. Methods of laboratory diagnosis and specimen issues (including collecting, reserving and shipping specimens to the central or local laboratories) were discussed. A brief on the current epidemiological situation was also provided during the workshop

The workshop was attended by 51 participants from the health departments of Damascus, Qunaterah and Homs, and from the reference laboratories in Damascus.

Sample collection kits were distributed to the workshop participants along with oral fluid samples (for measles investigation). Soft copies of all presentations delivered during the workshop were sent to all participants.