The Ohio State Global One Health initiative (GOHi), in partnership with U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), has established four severe acute respiratory infection (SARI)/influenza-like illness (ILI) testing laboratories in Ethiopia, including regional and sub-regional labs in Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Adama and Arba Minch.

GOHi provided RT-PCR and other laboratory machines and supplies to establish these laboratories. As part of the technical support to ensure the success of the established influenza testing labs, GOHi, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) and Amhara Public Health Institute (APHI), conducted hands-on training on RT-PCR techniques for 14 laboratory professionals from four laboratories and EPHI. GOHi completed the training for six days at one of the newly established testing facilities at the APHI virology lab in Bahir Darx.

This training provided an in-depth understanding of molecular testing, including RT-PCR techniques, and created networking and collaboration opportunities. Zelalem Mekuria, GOHi genomics senior expert, and Eyasu Tigabu, GOHi senior lab expert, led the training, which covered both didactic and hands-on practical training, including lab processes starting from sample preparation to detection and troubleshooting.