The methodology of the Global Laboratory Initiative to install diagnostic laboratories in disadvantaged regions is simple and flexible. Our objective is to create a model that can be easily reproduced in different areas of the world.
The GLI program is developed in 5 phases:
Phase 1: Diagnosis of the situation (Need assessment).
In the first phase of the project a field analysis is carried out which consists in a visit to the health services of the intervention zone. Additionally, the requirements of the laboratory service at each level of the healthcare system are identified; these include those related to the infrastructures, equipment, and the level of training of the personnel.
Phase 2: Laboratory adaptation
The second phase focuses on improving basic infrastructure, such as water and electricity supplies, work surfaces, waste areas, etc., and providing laboratories with the equipment they need for the basic diagnosis of the most prevalent diseases in each region. The participation of Grifols experts plays a key role in this process..
Phase 3: Training and management
The objective of the third phase is the training and capacity-building of the laboratory staff in essential diagnostic techniques (basic hematology, biochemistry, and microbiology), the handling and conservation of samples, and the handling and elimination of waste. In addition, there is training in laboratory management with respect to the treatment and validation of analytical data with the implementation of specific software.
Phase 4: Community health
The GLI in its fourth phase aims to promote, with additional partners, transversal health interventions in other areas with the support of the local community. These include maternal and child health, sexual and reproductive health, information about awareness and prevention of prevalent diseases, sanitation and access to drinking water, waste management, and food safety.
Phase 5: GLI laboratory validated
In the final phase of the project the results of each GLI are monitored and evaluated. The impact and efficiency of the intervention on the population is assessed and a technical follow-up performed in the field.
In desember 2021 34 laboratories are in operation 14 countries and are in the following phase:
Phase 2: Ivory Coast, Paraguay, Ethiopia
Phase 3: Liberia
Phase 4: Dominican Republic and Angola
Phase 5: Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Ghana. Pending external evaluation: Belize, Bolivia, Ecuador, Mali and Peru