News Archives 2008
Embassy Supports Improved Testing and Diagnosis of HIV and Hepatitis in Moldova
The ability to diagnose and treat HIV and Hepatitis in Moldova has just improved thanks to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) project "Preventing HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B & C".
To help make this goal a reality, USAID provided diagnostic equipment valued at $271,000, which was used to set up a Reference Laboratory for Diagnosing Viral Hepatitis and HIV.
At the opening ceremony for the laboratory on November 09, USAID Country Program Officer Gary Linden stressed that test results will now be more accurate, reliable and easier to share. He stated, “A highly functioning laboratory network is crucial to disease prevention and treatment.” In addition to the equipment provided, staff from the Preventing HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B & C Project trained more than 200 Moldovan laboratory specialists to diagnose viral hepatitis. Two new guides on modern methods of viral hepatitis diagnosis were also developed. Using these guides, Moldova’s Laboratory Service can implement international standards and quality management systems.
The Reference Laboratory assures quality management of testing. The Reference Laboratory also collects, analyzes, and stores disease-related data from the network so that health specialists and public policy makers can make informed decisions about the health of their patients.