Barbados celebrates global recognition of Best-Dos Santos Laboratory as a National Influenza Centre
Barbados has reached a major milestone in its public health journey with the official designation by the World Health Organization (WHO) of the Best-Dos Santos Public Health Laboratory (BDSPHL) as a National Influenza Centre (NIC). This designation, celebrated in October 2023, marks a significant chapter in the country’s efforts to bolster its public health infrastructure and respond to infectious diseases on a global scale.
The BDSPHL, which opened in 2018, has evolved into a vital public health asset, driven by strong government leadership and collaboration with international health organizations, including the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).
The journey to NIC status was the result of the BDSPHL consistently adhering to rigorous standards set by the WHO and the collaborative efforts of BDSPHL’s leadership, government support, and international partnerships. Now, as part of the WHO’s Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS), the laboratory plays a key role in providing essential influenza data, helping to shape more effective vaccines and treatments.
Moving forward, the BDSPHL is set to expand its role in public health, with plans to enhance laboratory services and build capacity in areas like cancer diagnostics, antimicrobial resistance surveillance, and genetic testing. The lab’s work not only strengthens Barbados’s public health response but also supports neighboring Eastern Caribbean nations, further solidifying Barbados’s position as a regional leader in public health.
The journey to NIC designation
The path to becoming a National Influenza Centre was not easy. It required BDSPHL to meet rigorous standards set by WHO, including establishing strict protocols for testing respiratory viruses, ensuring robust quality management systems, and consistently reporting influenza data.
International partnerships played a crucial role in this transformation. Collaboration with global health organizations, including the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), World Health organization (WHO), the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US-CDC), and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), provided the technical expertise and support needed to elevate the lab to NIC status.
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley lauded the achievement as a measure of national pride, emphasizing that Barbados had proven its ability to reach global standards of excellence. “To have this designation by the World Health Organization says to the rest of the world that this lab has reached these standards and is capable of being trusted,” she stated during the designation ceremony.
A legacy of resilience and adaptation
The Best-Dos Santos Public Health Laboratory has consistently demonstrated its resilience and ability to adapt to emerging public health threats. During the COVID-19 pandemic, BDSPHL became one of the first labs in the Caribbean to secure test kits and reagents for detecting the virus, processing over 800,000 tests in just three years.
Beyond COVID-19, the lab has established programs for global salmonella and influenza surveillance, HIV and sexually transmitted infection examinations, and environmental monitoring, including water and air quality.
The lab’s success is not only a point of pride but also an economic driver for the country. It has created jobs for local professionals and positioned Barbados as a leader in public health innovation.
Looking ahead: A future of excellence and innovation
As Barbados continues to invest in its health infrastructure, the future of the Best-Dos Santos Public Health Laboratory looks brighter than ever. With $63 million allocated for primary health care and $2 million dedicated to laboratory services in the new financial year, the lab is poised to expand its offerings and integrate new technologies into its work. The government is already developing screening protocols for cancers, including pancreatic and breast cancers, and exploring further advancements in genetic testing and flow cytometry.
The lab’s NIC designation also underscores Barbados’ broader role in the region. BDSPHL has been instrumental in supporting neighboring Eastern Caribbean countries by offering training, sharing knowledge, and building capacity. Its work exemplifies the power of collaboration, not just within Barbados but across borders, as the lab continues to contribute to regional and global health security.
As Prime Minister Mottley reflected, “Investing in health means Barbados is moving from monitoring and diagnosing to research. Our people have the capacity to be at the cutting edge of the research capabilities that we need in this world to make lives better for our people.”
With a clear vision and unwavering commitment to public health excellence, the Best-Dos Santos Public Health Laboratory is set to remain a pillar of strength for Barbados and a beacon of innovation for the Caribbean and the wider global community.
