About PPHL Sindh
The Provincial Public Health Lab (PPHL) Sindh, at Dow University of Health Sciences was established in 2021 and is dedicated to advancing public health through comprehensive laboratory services and research. The PPHL Sindh plays a crucial role in disease surveillance, outbreak response, and the development of health policies by providing accurate and timely diagnostic services.
By cultivating collaboration among healthcare providers, researchers, and public health officials, the PPHL Sindh ensures that the health needs of the community are met effectively. The lab focuses on enhancing its capabilities and implementing advanced technologies to support innovative public health initiatives. Through its commitment to quality and excellence, it aims to make a significant contribution to the health and well-being of the population in Sindh and beyond.
Functions
The Provincial Public Health Lab (PPHL) Sindh carries out a range of essential functions, including but not limited to:
Monitoring and analyzing health data to detect outbreaks and emerging health threats.
Providing accurate laboratory testing for infectious diseases, environmental hazards, and other public health concerns.
Facilitating research initiatives by offering access to laboratory resources and expertise.
Assisting in the coordination of public health responses during outbreaks and emergencies.
Ensuring that laboratory practices meet national and international standards for accuracy and reliability.
Conducting training programs for healthcare professionals and laboratory personnel on best practices and new technologies.
Partnering with government agencies, healthcare institutions, and academic organizations to enhance public health outcomes.
Contributing to the formulation of health policies based on research findings and public health needs.
Promoting awareness of public health issues and encouraging community participation in health initiatives.
Genomic Surveillance Laboratory
PPHL Sindh has established a state-of-the-art Genomic Surveillance Lab in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). This facility harnesses Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology to enhance the monitoring and control of infectious diseases, playing a vital role in public health efforts.
Key functions of the Genomic Surveillance Lab:
- Pathogen identification: The lab enables rapid and accurate identification of pathogens, facilitating swift responses to outbreaks and informing clinical management.
- Mutation tracking: By analyzing genetic changes in pathogens, the lab can detect mutations that may influence transmission, virulence, or vaccine effectiveness, allowing for timely public health interventions.
- Epidemiological insights: Genomic data provides critical insights into transmission dynamics, helping to trace outbreak sources and assess the impact of health measures.
- Research and innovation: The integration of genomic surveillance into public health research fosters innovative approaches to disease prevention and control.
Through its collaboration with the WHO, the Genomic Surveillance Lab at PPHL Sindh positions itself at the forefront of modern public health strategies, ensuring proactive responses to emerging health threats and significantly contributing to the safety and well-being of the community.
BSL-2 Mobile Lab at PPHL Sindh
The PPHL Sindh is equipped with a state-of-the-art BSL-2 mobile laboratory, funded by USAID. This mobile lab enhances the lab’s capacity to conduct safe and effective outbreak surveillance, particularly in response to health crises in remote and vulnerable regions of Sindh.
- The mobile lab has been deployed for rapid outbreak investigations, especially in flood-affected areas where public health risks are heightened.
- As a BSL-2 facility, it provides a safe environment for handling moderate-risk pathogens, ensuring that laboratory practices meet stringent biosafety standards.
- The mobility of the lab allows for quick deployment to affected regions, facilitating timely testing and diagnosis during emergencies.
- By operating in disaster-affected areas, the lab plays a crucial role in addressing public health needs, ensuring that communities receive necessary diagnostic services.
- The mobile lab enables efficient collection and analysis of samples, contributing valuable data for epidemiological studies and public health planning.
- The presence of the mobile lab also offers training for local healthcare workers, enhancing their capacity to respond to public health challenges.
Through the utilization of the BSL-2 mobile lab, PPHL Sindh demonstrates its commitment to improving public health infrastructure and providing effective responses to health emergencies, ultimately safeguarding the well-being of communities in the region.
Team
- Dr. Saeed Khan
Director, PPHL Sindh
Professor of Pathology, DIMC, DUHS
- Maria Zahid
Assistant Professor
DIMC, DUHS
Section In charge of Molecular/Virology
PPHL, SINDH
- NoorUl Huda
Section In charge of Microbiology/Medical Technologist
PPHL, SINDH
- Hafsa Farooqui
Medical Technologist
PPHL, SINDH
- Mona
Medical Technologist
PPHL, SINDH