Between July 8 and 11, 2024, Muscat, Oman hosted the highly anticipated Regional Workshop on the Global Laboratory Leadership Program (GLLP). This event brought together global health leaders and experts to advance laboratory leadership, essential for robust responses to health emergencies.

The GLLP is an innovative workforce development initiative led by six renowned organizations namely: the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO), World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL). Their collective goal is to mentor and empower current and emerging laboratory leaders, and to fortify national laboratory systems, and, ultimately, global health security.

The Workshop’s Highlights and Objectives

The four-day workshop, organized by the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO), aimed to provide targeted sensitization on GLLP concepts and tools for national focal points from different countries. Participation from all sectors (human health, animal health, environmental health) was invited in coordination with the relevant agencies. The workshop had three primary objectives:

1. To orient country laboratory leaders/managers on the GLLP competencies required for strong and efficient laboratory leadership.
2. To acquaint laboratory leaders/managers with and build their capacity in the use of available tools to enable planning and implementation of national GLLP initiatives; and
3. To support development of national GLLP implementation plans, including the adaptation of the GLLP Terms of Reference.

The workshop’s agenda included a variety of sessions, from opening remarks by esteemed speakers to interactive group activities and plenary discussions with professionals from the three sectors. Key highlights included a brainstorming session on GLLP values, the unveiling of the GLLP competency framework, and the hands-on development of country-specific GLLP work plans.

EMPHNET’s Presence

EMPHNET was invited to share their experience in establishing and running FETPs and promoting the One Health Approach. EMPHNET’s Public Health Specialist, Dr. Sayed Himatt, participated in various sessions, including a panel discussion. Through these participations, he shared insights and experiences from the field. He reflected on EMPHNET's approach in establishing, running FETPs and integrating the One Health Approach. He presented how this approach could be used as a synergistic model that could be used to establish and run GLLP programs in the region. This will help bring multiple health sectors to create a cohesive strategy for laboratory leadership and One Health improvements.

Why the GLLP is Crucial

The importance of strong laboratory leadership cannot be overstated, especially considering the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored the need for resilient and adaptive health systems. The GLLP addresses this need by providing specialized training that supports a country’s capacity to respond effectively to health emergencies. By fostering competencies such as effective communication, strategic planning, and intersectoral collaboration, the GLLP ensures that laboratory leaders are well-prepared to manage and sustain national laboratory systems.

Future Goals and Collaborations

As part of its long-term goals, EMPHNET is committed to continuing its collaboration with GLLP partners and other stakeholders, as it aims to leverage its experience and resources to support the establishment and operation of GLLP initiatives at country levels within the countries it works in.

For more information on the Global Laboratory Leadership Program, visit the GLLP website.