In order to upgrade and strengthen the laboratory services in Myanmar for easy and faster detection of TB and MDR-TB patients, the Global Fund supported installation of equipment for BSL-3 TB Lab, which becomes the fourth BSL-3 TB Lab in Myanmar. The opening of this lab will also help the testing and diagnosis of COVID-19 and further scale up the testing capacity in Myanmar.  

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Dr. Htein Linn, Social Minister of Mon State, Dr. Thandar Lwin, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Public Health, Dr. Tun Aung Kyi, State Health Director of Mon State, Dr. Si Thu Aung, Director (TB, Leprosy, Trachoma) of the Department of Public Health, PR-UNOPS representatives and other invited guests. The ceremony was conducted in line with COVID-19 preventive measures.

The BSL-3 TB Lab will improve access to diagnosis and treatment for TB and MDR-TB patients, not only in Mon State, but also in adjacent States/Regions such as Kayin State and Tanintharyi Region, and result in increased cure rates.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Thandar Lwin, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Public Health said, “We are very grateful to the Global Fund for installation of equipment for BSL-3 TB Lab. With this lab, we can strengthen and scale up the detection of TB and MDR-TB patients and provide necessary treatment in time, in three States and Regions.”

Dr. Tun Aung Kyi, State Health Director of Mon State said, “There should be one BSL-3 Lab for an area with 5 to 10 million population, according to guidelines. As there are about 5.5 million populations in Mon State, Kayin State and Tanintharyi Region, this area should have one. I am very grateful to those who supported to make this happen.”

Another BSL-3 TB Lab was also inaugurated in Taunggyi, Shan State in February 2017, with the Global Fund’s support.