Dominica increases lab capacity under the Pandemic Preparedness Initiative

Recently, the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Social Services announced the official handover of vital laboratory tools and supplies to the National Laboratory, funded through the Pandemic Fund. This donation aligns with the regional initiative launched last year in Saint Lucia, titled “Strengthening Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Emerging Health Threats in the Eastern Caribbean.”

The collaborative project involves Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, marking a significant advancement in the region’s pandemic resilience efforts, said a release from the ministry.

Representing the six independent member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the initiative is a joint effort by PAHO/WHO, FAO, and the World Bank. According to the ministry, the funding was provided by the Pandemic Fund, established in 2022 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, to assist low-and middle-income nations in strengthening their disease surveillance, diagnosis, and emergency response capabilities, with additional support from the Fleming Fund.

The donated equipment,  reportedly valued at approximately US$85,000, was procured by PAHO/WHO and includes sophisticated microbiology and molecular diagnostics tools such as a VITEK 2 system, a vertical freezer, PCR consumables, pipette kits, a microcentrifuge, and other specialized laboratory supplies. These advanced resources are expected to significantly elevate the laboratory’s diagnostic capacity.

Craig Henry, a Senior Laboratory Technologist specializing in Microbiology at the National Laboratory, expressed appreciation for the donation.

“The Dominica National Medical Laboratory is enormously grateful to the Pan American Health Organization… As we may already know, antimicrobial resistance, AMR, is a global threat, and we in Dominica are not spared from engaging this invisible enemy,” he said.“Fortunately, through the efforts of PAHO and the Fleming Fund, our arsenal has been significantly bolstered with a nuclear weapon in the form of the Vitek 2 compact instrument. The Vitek 2 compact is an
accurate and rapid system for identification of microorganisms, that is, bacteria and fungi, and the determination of which antimicrobials will be effective at treating infections by these organisms. The addition of this cutting-edge piece of equipment to our workflow has significantly enhanced our diagnostic capacity.”

Henry highlighted the practical benefits of the new system, noting, “The laboratory can now routinely identify organisms to species level, and for the first time, fungal susceptibility is done routinely. With this technology, it means that clinicians can now receive antibiotic treatment options in a shorter space of time, which greatly enhances
patient outcome. Additionally, the system helps support infection prevention and control by allowing reliable and rapid identification of inpatients with multidrug-resistant bacterial infection, so that they can be isolated and quarantined.”

The equipment includes an integrated patient data management system and the ability to generate antibiograms, which will bolster antimicrobial stewardship efforts at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital and nationwide.

As per the release, this donation coincides with high-level discussions under the Pandemic Fund, including a follow-up meeting on February 5 involving PAHO/WHO, key officials from the Ministry of Health, and development partners. The objective is to advance activities designed to strengthen systems for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.

The project adopts a One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

During the launch event, Dr. Amalia Del Riego, PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, underscored the importance of a collaborative strategy.

“This launch marks a major milestone for the Eastern Caribbean region. By embracing a One Health approach and reinforcing our systems together, we are building a future where countries can detect, respond to, and prevent emerging threats more effectively, protecting lives and livelihoods.”

For Dominica, the health ministry states, the laboratory equipment donation represents a significant and timely boost to national health security, equipping the country to better prevent, detect, and respond swiftly to future public health emergencies.