FAO laboratory mapping tool results analysis for veterinary laboratories from 2012 to 2020: highlights of the gaps, the strengths across Southeast Asia and implications for capacity building activities

Efforts and investments in the laboratories included in this study have impacted the routine activity of these facilities, and the LMT-Core module can be applied to monitor the progress objectively and in a harmonized manner; the importance of using a standardized questionnaire is undeniable. To strengthen health security in the ASEAN region, it is crucial to maintain the current regional programs on quality assurance and biosafety/biosecurity, to encourage the various governments to ensure access to an adequate laboratory budget, to develop a veterinary laboratory policy and to link this policy to the ASEAN regional framework for laboratory capacity building and networking in ASEAN. It will help ensure the sustainable development of veterinary laboratories within ASEAN.