Amitabh Adhikari is a distinguished computer scientist currently supporting the International Laboratory Branch at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta. With a robust background in information technology, medical informatics, and public health informatics, he holds a Healthcare Information and Management Systems certification (CPHIMS) and boasts over 24 years of experience in the field. His expertise encompasses mathematical modeling and the development of information systems tailored for public and clinical laboratories.

For the past 12 years, Amitabh has played a pivotal role in providing consulting services to the Laboratory Branch and Health Informatics Team, focusing on the design, development, implementation, and support of informatics projects in PEPFAR-supported countries. His proficiency in creating IT architecture and strategic technology roadmaps has been instrumental in the effective deployment of public health solutions globally.

Amitabh's leadership experience is highlighted by his significant contributions to public health technology solutions, particularly in the context of The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). He has actively engaged in health informatics initiatives, enhancing the capacity of countries to manage and respond to public health challenges.

Academically, Amitabh holds a Master's degree in Physics from the University of Delhi and a Master of Technology degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur, India. His qualifications are further bolstered by several certifications, including:

• PMI Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS)
• TOGAF 9 Certified Enterprise Architect
• Foundation Certification in Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL)
• SAS Certified Advanced Programmer for SAS 9
Certified in HL7 2.4 Controls Specialist

As he continues to advance in his career, Amitabh remains dedicated to leveraging his extensive knowledge and experience to improve public health outcomes through innovative informatics solutions.

Isabelle de Valois NDISHIMYE is a public health expert and biotechnologist with over a decade of impactful experience in infectious disease diagnostics. Based at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre’s National Reference Laboratory, she specializes in strengthening HIV diagnostic quality through innovative and sustainable quality assurance systems, including HIV proficiency testing.

Her work has been instrumental in advancing the accuracy, reliability, and credibility of rapid testing services across Rwanda, contributing significantly to national and global HIV response efforts.

Fred Fredrick Bangara holds a Master of Science in Clinical Pathology and possesses extensive experience in the healthcare sector of Malawi, particularly within the Ministry of Health and various non-governmental organizations. I have successfully led the national Tuberculosis (TB) program and HIV, emphasizing implementation monitoring, technology integration, and quality assurance, including the deployment of GeneXpert platforms.

Fred has been overseeing Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) programs and managing Laboratory Quality Management initiatives for molecular testing. Fred has played a crucial role in supporting emergency response efforts at the National Public Health Reference Laboratory and has collaborated with the National HIV Reference Laboratory on rapid test External Quality Assessment (EQA) programs.

These contributions have resulted in the accreditation of 11 molecular laboratories and over 85% certification of HIV testing sites. Currently, as a Laboratory Advisor with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), I continue to advance Quality Management Systems both at POCT and laboratories at different levels, accreditation processes, and emergency response initiatives including sample transportation, and establishment of EQA provision facilities in Malawi.