A model for public-private partnership during the COVID-19 pandemic: Lessons from Biolab and public laboratories working in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Publisher: Wiley Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 101304007 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1750-2659 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 17502640 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Influenza Other Respir Viruses Subsets: MEDLINE

Original Publication: Oxford, UK : Wiley, c2007-

COVID-19*/epidemiology ; COVID-19*/prevention & control; Humans ; Pandemics/prevention & control ; Laboratories ; Jordan/epidemiology ; Public-Private Sector Partnerships

Introduction: The global COVID-19 pandemic overwhelmed national public health and laboratory capacity in Jordan and globally. In response, Biolab, a private laboratory group with 27 branches across Jordan, assisted with testing. Biolab was equipped to quickly increase molecular testing capacity without compromising quality or turnaround time, allowing them to contribute to national COVID-19 surveillance efforts.
Methods: Biolab expanded testing in Jordan by operationalizing automated testing platforms at various locations, including 16 branches, 2 drive-through and 2 walk-through centres, and entry points for airports and marine passenger arrivals. Genomic and molecular testing were implemented to track variants. Information technology platforms were introduced for sample management, registration, and commercial sample payments. Data were directly provided to the Ministry of Health through these platforms to support public health decision-making and responses. Biolab prioritized staff well-being by providing mental, financial, and physical health support during the pandemic.
Results: Biolab processed more than two million samples, with a turnaround time of ~1.5 h. Results were transmitted directly to key stakeholders in near real time. Biolab conducted variant evaluations on >1.4 million samples using molecular variant testing and >1000 samples using whole genome sequencing. Biolab prioritized staff well-being, improving staff satisfaction from 74% to 91%, a remarkable achievement when many laboratory systems experienced staff burnout and dissatisfaction.
Conclusion: The collaboration between public and private laboratories during COVID-19 established a model for future joint efforts to prevent outbreaks from becoming pandemics. Biolab's focus on efficiency, quality, and staff well-being enabled consistent, high-quality performance. The introduction of innovative information technology platforms ensured swift information dissemination. Biolab plans to continue investing in these platforms and expand pathogen testing, creating a top-tier testing infrastructure in Jordan with a demonstrated ability to cooperate with the government for public benefit.
(© 2023 The Authors. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

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001 International WHO_ World Health Organization

Keywords: Biolab; COVID-19; Jordan; NGS; PCR; public-private partnerships

Date Created: 20231027 Date Completed: 20231030 Latest Revision: 20231214

20231215

PMC10627090

10.1111/irv.13209

37885370