Lab Training Center
(ACILT) African Center for Integrated Laboratory Training
In resource-limited countries with high burdens of infectious disease, the need for laboratory diagnostic services has outpaced capacity.
This has impeded TB, HIV and Malaria control efforts, particularly among individuals who are co-infected. In response to this need, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has allocated funding for the establishment of an African Centre for Integrated Laboratory Training (ACILT). This training center develops and offers hands-on training courses for front-line laboratory staff.
Vision: ACILT provides for a healthier Africa through quality laboratory practices to combat major infectious diseases.
ACILT is located on the campus of the South African National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), in Johannesburg, South Africa. ACILT is owned by the NICD and NHLS and benefits from a Governance Board consisting of experts from collaborating institutions including:
- South Africa Ministry of Health,
- World Health Organization,
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
- US Agency for International Development,
- Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria,
- Becton Dickinson, Inc.
The International Laboratory Branch of CDC’s Division of Global AIDS provides ongoing technical assistance and expert instructors to ACILT for the course development and delivery. This includes working with international partners to ensure the use of standardized laboratory supplies for the courses.
Training Program So Far
The centre answers Africa’s rapidly growing demand for a well-trained, competent and motivated laboratory workforce. It launched the first course on Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) of HIV infection using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection and specimens from dried blood spots (DBS) in September 2008.The training covered different methods of DNA extraction from DBS and tested the competency of the trainees using proficiency panels from CDC Atlanta. Twelve trainees drawn from eastern and southern African countries attended the course. Two more EID courses are planned for December 2008 and March 2009.
Two other courses have been offered in 2008, the first on TB culture and the second on BED incidence testing. A training session to address quality improvement in HIV Rapid Testing will be offered in January 2009. The course on bio-safety and infrastructure development will be offered tentatively early next year. (See Calendar). For more information on upcoming training courses at ACILT please refer to the calendar below.
How to Participate
There are no tuition fees for courses but home governments are expected to pay for travel and lodging for the participants that represent them. Lunches are provided. In addition, it is expected that provisions will be made for the participants to practice and implement their new knowledge when they return to their host countries.
Last reviewed: August 27, 2008
Content Source:
Global AIDS Program (GAP)
National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention
