The Fiji Centre for Disease Control previously faced high costs of over a thousand dollars per batch for sending samples abroad for genome sequencing, a process described as both expensive and time-consuming due to a lack of local capacity. However, the recent launch of Fiji’s first Pathogen Genomics Lab is set to change this dynamic significantly.
Dr. Daniel Faktaufon, Acting Head of Public Health, highlighted that this new facility will reduce both costs and turnaround times for testing, allowing results to be provided in a matter of hours instead of weeks. “Previously, it would take probably more than a week arranging shipment, securing funds, and waiting for overseas reference labs to conduct testing, especially for diseases like COVID-19,” he noted.
The establishment of the lab is supported by partnerships with the World Health Organization, the Peter Doherty Institute, and the Australian Vuvale Partnership, reflecting a collaborative effort to strengthen Fiji’s health system in response to gaps identified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Faktaufon expressed optimism about the lab’s ability to enhance Fiji’s national response capacity, extending beyond COVID-19 to monitor other infectious diseases such as dengue and leptospirosis.
Furthermore, the lab will also facilitate ongoing staff training and capacity-building programs, ensuring that local expertise in pathogen genomics continues to grow. This initiative positions Fiji at the forefront of public health management in the Pacific, capable of promptly detecting and responding to emerging health threats.
These advancements are complemented by ongoing initiatives such as the FluTracking project, aimed at improving community health surveillance, and the SHARE Project for monitoring human arboviruses, indicating a comprehensive approach to public health in Fiji. Together, these efforts signify a strengthened capability to manage infectious diseases and improve overall health outcomes for the population.
The transition to having local genomic sequencing capabilities not only marks a significant milestone for Fiji’s health infrastructure but also offers a hopeful outlook for more resilient healthcare systems in the face of future public health challenges.
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