Experts from the Western Balkans and Türkiye attend the Annual Meeting and Large Capacity-building Workshop of the European Reference Laboratory Network for Tuberculosis in Bratislava, Slovakia

The meeting provided a good opportunity for the experts from the Western Balkans and Türkiye to learn about recent developments in the ERLTB-Net-3 network. Discussions also took place on harmonising TB laboratory activities and enhancing capacity across the EU, and at national and regional levels.

Key highlights of the meeting:

• Presentations covered the progress of ongoing projects including External Quality Assurance (EQA), training and reference activities to strengthen TB laboratory networks.
• Workshops explored new technologies and methodologies in TB diagnostics, including next-generation sequencing, rapid susceptibility testing and the role of diagnostic algorithms.
• Participants had the opportunity to engage with experts from the ERLTB-Net-3, ECDC, World Health Organization (WHO), and other organisations, sharing expertise and fostering collaboration to address current challenges in TB diagnostics.

Background

The European Reference Laboratory Network for Tuberculosis (ERLTB-Net) is a collaborative initiative led by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The network aims to strengthen TB diagnostics and laboratory capacity across Europe by promoting harmonised standards, enhancing quality assurance, and supporting training and expertise exchange among national reference laboratories. ERLTB-Net plays a crucial role in coordinating efforts to improve TB detection, monitoring drug resistance, and providing technical guidance to laboratories. The annual meetings and capacity building workshops are key components of the network's activities, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among TB experts and laboratories throughout the region.