Integrating mobile laboratories into global health security: advancing collaboration through GOARN-DiSC

Rapid Response Mobile Laboratories (RRMLs) provide deployable, adaptable and scalable diagnostic surge capacity in all types of health emergencies, enhancing outbreak response, surveillance and International Health Regulations (2005) core capacities, especially in resource-limited settings.

The evolution of RRMLs—from early outbreak response tools, to essential assets during Ebola outbreaks and the COVID-19 pandemic—has demonstrated their value in scaling up diagnostics, supporting research and strengthening public health systems globally.

The establishment of the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network Strategic Group for Diagnostic Surge Capacities (GOARN-DiSC) in 2024 has created a coordinated global platform for RRML partners, promoting integration with global emergency preparedness and response frameworks through collaborative and sustainable models. DiSC focuses on leadership, standardisation, quality assurance and workforce development to harmonise operations and improve interoperability.

The WHO Minimum Operational Standards and Typology (MOST), published in 2025, establishes evidence-based, standardised guidance for developing and deploying RRMLs, enhancing diagnostic surge capacity, interoperability and trust to strengthen national health systems during emergencies.

GOARN-DiSC calls for One Health multisectoral collaboration, innovation and sustainable financing to build scalable, interoperable and quality-assured RRMLs—advancing equitable, timely and effective responses to future health emergencies within the global health security architecture.