Problems in establishing assay services in developing countries

The problems are initially of an organizational nature concerned with obtaining necessary local support from administrators with limited funds available from socialized health budgets. Stressing the relevance of proposed techniques to national priorities in many fields would be required. Centres should be located so as to serve as wide an area as possible, and administrative obstacles in communication, clearance, transport etc. should be overcome. It is suggested that emphasis be placed on training of personnel, particularly at technician level, in selected centres within a region, and by regional training courses, so that expertise gained may be better applied to local situations. The degree of sophistication of equipment selected is seen to depend on the factors of work load and possibility for repair and maintenance. The latter problem is often best solved locally through other arrangements, such as with suppliers themselves. The main operational problem of obtaining reagents for immunoassays is aggravated by shortage of foreign exchange, and economic factors preclude the widespread use of commercial assay kits. Possibilities that may exist to resolve this by greater interdependence amongst workers within the region are hampered by a serious lack of information, and correction of this situation would result in advantages in several respects. International agencies and governments providing aid play a major role in the above matters as well as in others such as the provision of consultant services and research contracts which are considered to be of great benefit. It is stressed that a correct attitude is as important as expertise for the realization of an expert assignment. In conclusion it is suggested that under existing conditions, third-world workers could abandon the attitude of looking towards the developed countries as first choice for solutions to problems and seek to exploit the potential available among themselves for mutual benefit. (author)