Grenada is advancing efforts to strengthen the quality and reliability of laboratory services, following a 3-day technical assessment of the Pathology Laboratory at the General Hospital.
The assessment, conducted from 14–16 September 2026 by quality experts from the Global Laboratory and Epidemiology Systems Strengthening Network (GLESSN), was supported by the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) through the Pandemic Fund project for Eastern Caribbean Countries.
The assessment examined the laboratory’s quality systems and processes supporting diagnostic services for infectious diseases of public health importance, including influenza, dengue and bacterial infections. It included observations of laboratory practices, interviews with staff, and a review of relevant documents and records.
The findings will help identify priority areas for improvement and guide the laboratory’s continued work to strengthen its quality management system and progress towards accreditation. Strong laboratory quality systems help ensure that test results are accurate, reliable and timely, providing health professionals with the information they need to make informed decisions about patient care and supporting the early detection and response to public health threats.
The mission concluded with a debriefing involving representatives of the Ministry of Health, hospital management, laboratory leadership, PAHO/WHO and other key stakeholders. Discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration across the health system, recognising that progress towards laboratory accreditation requires sustained commitment beyond the laboratory itself.
Assessment team Janet Neil and Claudette Brown with laboratory staff. Photo: Portia Charles
While further work will be required on the pathway towards accreditation, the assessment provides a clear basis for identifying gaps, setting priorities and developing actions to strengthen laboratory quality and sustainability.
Dr Eva Jané Llopis, PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, reaffirmed PAHO/WHO’s commitment to supporting Grenada throughout this process. “PAHO will continue to provide technical mentorship and hands-on support as the project transitions into its next phase, ensuring that investments in equipment, reagents and training are underpinned by robust, sustainable quality management systems,” Dr Jané Llopis said.
The activity forms part of broader efforts under the Pandemic Fund project to strengthen laboratory systems and capacities for the prevention, detection and response to emerging health threats in Grenada and across participating Eastern Caribbean countries.
PAHO/WHO
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