Strengthening laboratory capacities for Vector-Borne Disease surveillance in North Africa: two rounds of PROVNA2 training completed in Teramo

The WOAH Sub-Regional Representation for North Africa, in collaboration with the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale” (IZS Teramo), successfully completed two consecutive rounds of intensive laboratory training on entomology and virology as part of the PROVNA2 project — one of WOAH’s flagship regional initiatives for North Africa.

The training, held from 10–14 November and from 17–21 November, gathered laboratory experts from Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia to reinforce national and regional capacities to improve surveillance and control of vector-borne diseases, with Rift Valley Fever (RVF) as the primary focus.

A flagship project for a changing climate

PROVNA (“Defining Ecoregions and Prototyping an Earth Observation-based Vector-borne Disease Surveillance System for North Africa”) adopts a pioneering approach by integrating Earth Observation and satellite data to map the main areas relevant for the transmission of vector-borne diseases.

Following the identification of North African eco-regions during Phase 1, PROVNA2 focuses on developing a risk-based surveillance system for mosquito-borne diseases across the region, supported by capacity building, harmonised protocols and in-field monitoring.

Two specialised training tracks

Participants were divided into parallel entomology and virology tracks, each designed to address critical components of VBDs preparedness.

Entomology Track: Mosquito Identification and Field Methods

Experts strengthened their capacity to identify the main mosquito genera and species present in the Mediterranean Basin, including those capable of transmitting RVF.
The programme included:

Morphological identification of larvae and adult mosquitoes
Taxonomy, anatomy and ecological patterns of Culicidae
Field collection methods and sample management
Hands-on practice with stereomicroscopes

This training will support countries in improving their entomological surveillance systems and linking field observations to the eco-regional maps developed under PROVNA.

Virology track: Diagnostics, Sequencing and Laboratory workflow

The virology training combined theoretical sessions with intensive laboratory practice focused on:

Real-time PCR detection of RVF, West Nile Virus (WNV) and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)
Biosafety principles and diagnostic workflow optimisation
Serological methods relevant to RVF surveillance
Interpretation of amplification curves and diagnostic decision-making

During the training, participants also received a full-day module on Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), strengthening their ability to analyse viral genomes for surveillance and outbreak investigation. This enhanced the depth of the virology track and aligned with regional priorities for improved genetic characterisation of circulating pathogens.

Regional collaboration at the core

Participants from all five countries showed a high level of engagement and commitment, reflecting the growing regional momentum toward a harmonised, efficient surveillance system for climate-sensitive diseases.

“These two training rounds underscore the strong collaboration between North African countries and WOAH, and the collective ambition to reinforce early detection and response systems for vector-borne diseases,” said Dr Rachid Bouguedour, WOAH Representative for North Africa : “The hands-on approach adopted here ensures that the knowledge gained will be immediately transferable to national laboratories.”

Acknowledgment is due to IZS Teramo, whose scientific leadership and logistical support ensured the success of both training rounds.

Next steps under PROVNA2

To maintain this momentum, additional capacity-building activities are planned:

10 December 2025: Regional webinar introducing the new PROVNA platform.
9–13 February 2026: Practical training on GIS tools and epidemiology, enabling countries to operationalise geospatial analysis for RVF and other vector-borne diseases

These activities will further support the roll-out of harmonised surveillance protocols under PROVNA2.