Challenges encountered when building laboratory capacity in limited-resource hospitals in Vietnam

This article details the experiences and challenges of a microbiology volunteer assigned to train individuals in Vietnamese hospitals and to assist this resource-limited country in the development of standards for quality control, identification, and susceptibility testing in bacteriology. The assignment required understanding of the culture of the country and the staff's background in microbiology. Automation and centralized computer systems are lacking, but the people have a scientific education and a motivation to improve the work that they perform. Issues encountered during training included communication, procurement and use of supplies, identification of pathogens unique to Southeast Asia, and limitations for quality control development. The experience was very rewarding and exciting; all microbiologists who have the ability to volunteer in this capacity will find that it is an invaluable opportunity.