GC Labs Completes Infectious Disease Training

Eight Asian and African countries, including Ghana, Vietnam, and Uzbekistan, welcomed back 10 medical professionals who had received advanced infectious disease diagnostic technology and research know-how from South Korea. The 7-week intensive training course, part of the Official Development Assistance project, concluded on September 11 after a 2-week common course that began on July 5.

Conducted by GC Labs, in collaboration with Korea University, the training aimed to inherit the spirit of fostering healthcare personnel established by the late Dr. Lee Jong-wook. GC Labs handled the Disease Diagnosis and Research Course, providing both theoretical education and practical training on infectious disease diagnostics.

Trainees toured major domestic infectious disease management institutions, including Seoul Metropolitan Seobuk Hospital, the Research Institute of Public Health and Environment, and the Korea University College of Medicine Vaccine Innovation Center. At the completion ceremony on September 3, discussions on future cooperation plans took place alongside sharing of training achievements.

Lee Sang-gon, President of GC Labs, highlighted the importance of enhancing expertise of healthcare personnel in developing countries. Professor Chun Byung-chul of the Korea University College of Medicine expressed expectations of practical changes and achievements from the training. Cambodian participant Visal Leng shared his desire to continue exchanges and strengthen international infectious disease response capabilities upon returning home.

The consortium plans to continue cultivating global healthcare personnel through joint operations of infectious disease expert courses in epidemiology, clinical practice, and diagnostics until 2027.