Training laboratory technicians and improvements in laboratory capacities have meant that monitoring endemic or epidemic meningitis has been greatly facilitated. The centres involved in this program carry out a broad range of tests, including direct examination, culture tests, latex tests, PCR and antibiotic sensitivity testing. The laboratory carries out a precise characterisation of the bacterium concerned, particularly for meningococcal strains. CERMES has produced 5,000 rapid diagnostic kits which were made available at local and regional health centres.
The eight centres involved in the program have developed privileged relationships with the local health authorities and Health Ministries so that the people of these countries can benefit from the results obtained from the monitoring work carried out in the field.
