1. Risk and Reward of Laboratory Capacity Development in Developing Countries
Sebastian Gelderbloem

2. Introduction
Approximately 14 PDP work in developing countries across the globe
Research ranges from epidemiological studies to vaccine development
Research is in all diseases areas and appropriate laboratory capacity is essential

3. Aeras - Mission Aeras is a not for profit biotech organisation.
Aeras’ mission is to develop new TB vaccines that are affordable and accessible to all who need them.

4. Areas of Capacity Development
TB diagnostics
Immunology
Safety laboratories

5. Types of Capacity Development
Infrastructural Development
Skills transfer
Systems development ( Quality Management Systems)
External Quality Assurance
Proficiency Testing
Biostorage
GCLP

6. Requirements to Conduct Research
Skill and ability
Infrastructure
Alignment with national priorities
Ability to contribute to global research and policies

7. Challenges Many LMIC do not have paralleled research capacity to HIC
Building capacity while answering critical research questions
Funding
Quality requirements in low resource areas
Different certification requirements
Non- Standardized methodologies
Access to training material
Human Resources

8. Implemented Programmes
External Quality Assurance
Proficiency Panels
Collaborative Training mechanisms
External audits and collaborative solutions to findings
Online discussion forums

9. Rewards to Capacity Development
Empowerment of the local scientists
Sustainability of projects
Better quality research
Trust
Adherence to required standards
Standardization of methodology across laboratories

10. Take home messages
Capacity Development requires funding and no one organization can provide a solution
Capacity Development is essential for sustained high quality research
It is important to balance the need for capacity development and answering the important research questions
There should be easy access to training material
Standardization across laboratories is essential

11. Thank you to all our collaborating partners in Kenya, Mozambique, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia