The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has launched a virtual reality (VR) platform aimed at building capacity and enhancing preparedness in public health laboratories across the Americas for the surveillance of influenza and other epidemic-prone pathogens. The immersive tool was introduced at the Severe Acute Respiratory Infections Network (SARInet plus) regional laboratory meeting in Brasília, Brazil, in November 2025, which brought together experts from Latin America and the Caribbean to strengthen respiratory virus monitoring, including influenza and COVID-19.
The VR platform provides an interactive, three-dimensional simulation of a molecular biology laboratory modeled after a national influenza center. Users can navigate areas such as sample reception, molecular processing, and genomic sequencing, interact with laboratory equipment, and access key resources including diagnostic algorithms, biosafety standards, quality control manuals, technical protocols, and International Health Regulations documents. The tool is compatible with VR headsets, computers, and mobile devices, enabling users to explore instructional content through videos, infographics, and interactive points. This digital approach complements traditional training, supporting hands-on learning for laboratory professionals, especially in locations with limited access to advanced facilities.
Dr. Juliana Leite from PAHO’s Laboratory Response Team highlighted that the VR laboratory provides a fully immersive experience that promotes active learning, professional connection, and strengthens laboratory capacity and health system resilience across the region. The platform also facilitates onboarding of new personnel, allowing them to familiarize themselves with laboratory equipment, procedures, and safety measures before entering a physical lab.
Participants at the SARInet meeting emphasized the VR tool’s value as a replicable model for national laboratories. Vernel Feloion, Supervisor at the Ezra Long Laboratory in Saint Lucia, noted that it helps users visualize and plan future molecular biology labs while gaining practical experience with protocols and workflows. Danilo Franco from Panama’s Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies emphasized its regional impact, stating that it provides continuous training and reinforces protocols, biosafety measures, and tools essential for responding to public health events.
Through this initiative, PAHO underscores its commitment to technological innovation and the strengthening of laboratory systems as a vital component of preparedness, early detection, and effective response to public health emergencies in the Americas.
