/countries/myanmar/strengthening-of-laboratory-diagnosis-capacity-for-influenza-testing.png?sfvrsn=ba9b022_4 "Strengthening of laboratory diagnosis capacity for influenza testing")
Strong laboratory diagnostic capacities are essential for the early detection of influenza and other priority viruses with pandemic potential, enabling timely public health action to prevent, detect and respond to emerging epidemics and pandemics. Effective integrated surveillance and laboratory systems capable of detecting influenza and other respiratory pathogens are fundamental components of national, regional and global health security and are central to strengthening pandemic preparedness.
In the context of Myanmar’s ongoing humanitarian challenges, maintaining laboratory capacity for the detection of influenza and other respiratory pathogens remains a public health priority. Early detection, laboratory confirmation and characterization of viruses with pandemic potential are critical for protecting vulnerable populations who may face increased health risks and barriers to accessing health services. As respiratory pathogens can spread rapidly across borders, strong national diagnostic capacity contributes not only to the health security of Myanmar but also to that of the wider region and the world.
With a view to ensuring that the Myanmar complies with essential requirements as per the new revised Terms of Reference for National Influenza Centres (NIC) within the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS), a standard joint assessment of the NIC of Myanmar was conducted from 8–12 June 2026. The assessment was led by the WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza in Japan, in collaboration with the Pandemic and Epidemic Management (PEM) unit of SEARO, WHO Myanmar and the Myanmar NIC team. The assessment aimed to evaluate laboratory capacity and identify opportunities for further strengthening in line with the revised WHO National Influenza Centre Terms of Reference.
Using the WHO National Influenza Centre Laboratory Assessment Tool (NIC-LAT), the mission reviewed key areas including laboratory management, quality systems, infrastructure, human resources, biosafety, surveillance and influenza testing.
Overall, the assessment found that the Myanmar NIC demonstrates strong operational capacity and continues to play an important role in Influenza Like Illness/Severe Acute Respiratory Infections sentinel surveillance. The assessment also identified opportunities to further strengthen laboratory quality systems and workforce development to enhance long-term sustainability and support the laboratory’s progression towards becoming a fully compliant reference laboratory under the GISRS.
The assessment reaffirmed the importance of continued investments in laboratory systems to ensure timely detection and response to influenza and other emerging pandemic potential respiratory threats. Strengthening Myanmar’s NIC will contribute to improved pandemic preparedness and reinforce national, regional and global health security as outlined in the Global Influenza Strategy (2019-30).