Gwangju Institute of Health and Environment Recognized for Excellence in Infectious Disease Testing Capabilities

All Categories Rated "Suitable" in KDCA Proficiency Assessment
Full Readiness to Prevent Infectious Diseases During the World Archery Championships

Gwangju Institute of Health and Environment received a "suitable" rating in all categories in the "2024 Legal Infectious Disease Laboratory Proficiency Evaluation" conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Photo by Gwangju Institute of Health and Environment

The Gwangju Institute of Health and Environment has been recognized for its outstanding infectious disease testing capabilities, receiving a "suitable" rating in all categories in the "2024 National Notifiable Infectious Disease Laboratory Proficiency Assessment" organized by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).

The National Notifiable Infectious Disease Laboratory Proficiency Assessment is conducted annually by the KDCA to ensure the accuracy and reliability of infectious disease diagnostic tests. The evaluation targets institutions responsible for identifying infectious disease pathogens, including disease response centers, regional institutes of health and environment, public health centers, and medical institutions.

The Gwangju Institute of Health and Environment carried out the laboratory proficiency assessment through genetic testing, antigen-antibody testing, and microscopic examination for 72 types of infectious diseases across 20 categories, including vector-borne bacteria, respiratory viruses, and enteric bacteria.

The institute has also received technology transfers from the KDCA for diagnostic methods of emerging infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and Mpox, and is responsible for the final diagnosis of national notifiable infectious diseases occurring in the region. This contributes to the efficient management of infectious diseases by preventing and blocking the spread of outbreaks.

Jung Hyuncheol, Director of the Gwangju Institute of Health and Environment, stated, "Achieving a 'suitable' rating in all categories of the infectious disease proficiency assessment is a meaningful accomplishment that proves the diagnostic capabilities of all examiners in the field. We will make thorough preparations to prevent the introduction of infectious diseases from abroad in connection with the World Archery Championships to be held in September."