US Government and Haiti
reinforce the National Specimen Referral Network
for better health security for Haitians
Port-au-Prince, Wednesday, March 28 – The United States supported the launching of the expanded National Specimen Referral Network (NSRN) at the National Public Health Laboratory and the Directorate of the Epidemiology, Laboratory and Research in Port-au-Prince. Ambassador Michele Sison participated alongside Haiti’s Minister of Public Health and Population, Dr. Marie Greta Roy Clement, the Director of the National Public Health Laboratory Dr. Jacques Boncy and World Bank representative Isabelle Simeon.
The expanded structure strengthen the quality and reinforces the capacity of the NSRN to receive and test specimens for HIV, Cholera, Tuberculosis and other pathogens from the ten departments. It includes a reinforced network of drivers, additional laboratory equipment, and a tracking system, which provides real time data on specimen locations. Over 500 MSPP employees are being trained on this improved system.
Ambassador Sison commended all capacities and competences surrounding the extraordinary work that is being done at the LNSP. “This expansion not only represents the hard work, collaboration and determination of numerous invested parties under the strong leadership of the Ministry of Health, but it also demonstrates the advancements being made within the Ministry – further demonstrating Haiti’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of its people.”
With support from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), CDC Haiti and partners are assisting the Government of Haiti in combatting HIV/AIDS, Cholera, tuberculosis and other diseases. USAID also supports the LNSP in terms of forecasting and procurement for laboratory commodities and reagents, building LNSP capacity to maintain and repair laboratory equipment.
