Strengthening infectious disease surveillance and preparedness through innovative diagnostic approaches.
ABOUT PIMES
Lao PDR is undergoing rapid environmental, demographic, and land-use changes that may increase interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems, creating conditions favourable to the emergence and transmission of infectious diseases.
The PIMES (Plateforme Innovante de diagnostic Moléculaire et Sérologique or Innovative Platform for Molecular and Serological Diagnostics) Programme aims to strengthen pathogen surveillance and diagnostic capacity in Lao PDR through the development of innovative molecular and serological diagnostic tools for infectious diseases affecting both humans and animals.
The programme develops field-adapted diagnostic approaches based on isothermal nucleic acid amplification technologies, including recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), as well as serological assays using the luciferase immunoprecipitation system (LIPS).
These tools support rapid pathogen detection, surveillance activities, and the estimation of infection prevalence in populations, contributing to improved outbreak preparedness and response capacity.
PIMES also contributes to national capacity building through workshops and technical training programmes for Lao researchers in diagnostics, surveillance methodologies, and laboratory techniques.
Programme Objectives
PIMES aims to:
- Strengthen pathogen surveillance capacities in Lao PDR;
- Develop and evaluate innovative molecular and serological diagnostic tools;
- Improve the early detection and monitoring of infectious diseases affecting humans and animals;
- Support outbreak preparedness and response through enhanced diagnostic capacities;
- Strengthen national scientific expertise through training and technical capacity building;
- Promote collaboration between Lao and international research institutions.
Key activities
Surveillance
PIMES supports surveillance activities in multiple provinces across Lao PDR to improve understanding of infectious disease circulation and strengthen early warning systems for emerging health threats.
Diagnostic Innovation
The programme develops and evaluates innovative diagnostic approaches designed for use in field and laboratory settings. These technologies aim to improve access to rapid, reliable, and cost-effective diagnostic tools.
Research
Research activities contribute to a better understanding of infectious disease transmission, prevalence, and public health risks, generating evidence to support surveillance and response strategies.
Capacity Building
PIMES contributes to strengthening national capacities through workshops, technical training courses, mentoring activities, and scientific exchanges involving researchers, laboratory specialists, and public health professionals.
Surveillance Sites in Laos
Surveillance sites in Lao PDR
- Vieng Phou Kha, Luang Namtha Province
- Kasi, Vientiane Province
- Naxaythong, Vientiane Capital
- Khounkham, Khammouane Province
- Soukhoumma and Bachieng Chaleunsouk, Champasak Province
Capacity Building
An important component of the programme is the development of national expertise in diagnostics, surveillance methodologies, and laboratory sciences. PIMES regularly supports workshops, technical training activities, and scientific exchanges involving researchers from Laos and partner institutions.
Through these activities, the programme contributes to strengthening sustainable research and laboratory capacities that can support public health priorities beyond the duration of the programme itself.
Kick-Off Meeting of PIMES
Workshop
Field Work
Steering Committee
Results
Our Partners
PIMES is implemented through a collaboration between the Lao Ministry of Health and the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (France) (MEAE), with technical support provided through IPL and its scientific partners.
This partnership contributes to strengthening pathogen surveillance, diagnostic innovation, and public health preparedness in Lao PDR, while supporting the development of sustainable national capacities in infectious disease research and diagnostics.
