Background
Since 2008, RELDA has supported the strengthening of laboratory networks and capabilities for timely detection of Dengue and other Arboviruses, strengthening surveillance and control programs for these diseases in the Americas Region.
In 2018, the 10-year anniversary of the network's creation was celebrated, becoming the operational arm of the laboratory component of the Integrated Management Strategy for Dengue Prevention and Control (EGI-Dengue). During the period 2016-2019, RELDA has facilitated trainings, quality evaluations, and sequencing projects of Dengue strains. In addition, support missions have been carried out, and equipment and reagents have been acquired. It is essential to continue strengthening the network to address the challenges related to the spread of other Arboviruses, which have resurged due to climate change and globalization.
The objectives for this year's meeting are as follows:
• Present the current situation and challenges faced in laboratory surveillance of the main Arboviruses in the region.
• Review and update the detection guidelines and methodologies for laboratory surveillance of endemic, emerging, reemerging, and neuroinvasive Arboviruses.
• Present and discuss entomovirological surveillance guidelines.
• Discuss the work plan and relevant activities for the period 2023-2025.
Main outcomes of the meeting:
• Activity plan for 2023-2025.
• Updated diagnostic algorithms.
• Agreements between Collaborating Centers and National Reference Laboratories (CCOMS and LNR) for the production and distribution of in-house reagents.
• Implementation plan for entomovirological surveillance.
Links:
