Speech given by the UK High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea (PNG) supporting the opening of the 1st National antimicrobial resistance (AMR) Forum.
First advanced microbiology laboratories in Papua New Guinea respond to AMR
The Burnet Institute, Fleming Fund Country Grant lead for Papua New Guinea, unveiled two national AMR laboratories, marking a significant milestone for PNG healthcare. The state-of-the-art facilities are the first microbiology laboratories designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern diagnostics as the cornerstone of the AMR surveillance system – demonstrating the importance of having the right foundations for effective analysis.
Her Excellency, The British High Commissioner to PNG, Ms Anne Macro, and Dr Osborne Liko, Secretary for Health PNG, reopened the country’s new National Reference Laboratory - the Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL), and the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) laboratory sites.
The intuitive design process equipped the two laboratories with the necessary features to support the new microbiology technology. These require specific environmental conditions, such as precise temperature control, stable humidity levels, and adequate ventilation to ensure the accuracy and reliability of AMR test results.
Providing these facilities enables the laboratories to perform microbial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing and avoid variations that can lead to incorrect results or unreliable data. This is essential to maximising the efficiency and precision of these technologies and improving patient outcomes.
The upgrade and supply of advanced microbiology testing equipment by the Fleming Fund Country Grant under the Burnet Institute has created a conducive working environment that complies with international standards. As a National Reference Laboratory, it takes much less time to produce test results to the surveillance clinical sites.
Temas Ikanofi, Scientific Officer In-charge, Public Health Microbiology Laboratory, CPHL.
British High Commissioner Her Excellency Ms Anne Macro at the opening of the country's microbiology laboratory and the Central Public Health Laboratory in Papua New Guinea. (Credit: Burnet Institute).
Opening ceremony for new microbiology laboratories in PNG.
Local expertise
Starting with an innovative design and approval phase, the project involved meticulous design and secured necessary approvals from partners and PNG authorities. Despite, facing challenges, such as changes in scope and opinions, requiring additional reviews and approvals, the project kept on track. The renovation progressed over two years through several critical stages.
Supported by CPHL and PMGH laboratories, the competitive tender and contracting phase selected the project’s construction company and carried out the building works over seven months focused on key aspects such as installing air control and airflow systems and a backup generator to support the intermittent power supply in PNG. As well as the building contractor, Minipac, the project was supported by the software/surveillance consultants Beyond Essential Systems, and Conrad Gargett, for laboratory design and oversight.
Equipped for excellence
The Fleming Fund equipped the laboratories with transformative technology including the Automated Protein Sequencer – MALDI Biotyper® Sirius system and Automated Identification and Susceptibility testing system – BD Phoenix™ M50 system at both CPHL and PMGH, and an Automated Blood Culture system – BD BACTEC™ FX200 system at PMGH.
Crucially, also receiving laboratory equipment such as biosafety cabinets class II, incubators, laboratory fridges and freezers, microscopes, computers, and lab benches to support the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), alongside consumables to ensure operational efficiency.
The renovated microbiology laboratory at PMGH, thanks to the Burnet - Fleming Fund Country Grant is a fresh enclosed facility that has given staff a sense of new and improved quality practice in microbiology services we provide.
Vineanna Nauna Quality Officer and Second Officer In-Charge, Microbiology, PMGH.
There is improved lighting to aid visual plate reading, spacious work benches, and comfortable sitting support. The equipment and consumables provided have enhanced overall function and testing capabilities for identification of microbial pathogens to provide clinicians with quality information for better patient management.
Vineanna Nauna Quality Officer and Second Officer In-Charge, Microbiology, PMGH.
Laboratory team in PNG.
Game-changer
The project was not without its difficulties. Delays in the supply of building materials and parts and ensuring the continuation of key clinical services provided by the PMGH lab team were significant hurdles. The Fleming Fund helped establish a container laboratory and storage facility to maintain essential laboratory services during refurbishment, which will remain with partners to support ongoing operations.
Professor Robert Power, Programme Director from the Burnet Institute said the laboratories reopening was a ‘game-changer’ in PNG's efforts to tackle AMR.
The enhanced capabilities of CPHL and PMGH labs mean better diagnostic accuracy, faster turnaround times for test results, and improved capacity to monitor and respond to AMR threats.
Conducting high-priority AMR testing and analysing samples from healthcare facilities across PNG, the laboratories have provided data to guide treatment strategies and subsequent national antibiotic guidelines. This played a key role in training local laboratory staff in basic and advanced microbiological techniques - enhancing clinical capabilities.
Prof Power said the laboratories serve as pivotal hubs for AMR surveillance and research and will contribute significantly to global efforts.
The Fleming Fund’s support has been instrumental in transforming these labs into innovative facilities, highlighting a strong commitment to improving public health infrastructure in Papua New Guinea. This investment, not only significantly improves our ability to combat AMR, but also strengthens the overall healthcare system, ensuring a healthier future for the people of Papua New Guinea.
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