Table 2.

Knowledge based capacity strengthening activities for cohort laboratories

DATE	ACTIVITIES
July 2015	Groups meeting with cohort laboratories that had earlier submitted their consent form to discuss project details and activity plans.
August 2015	Cohort laboratories visited for base-line needs assessment. Evaluation tool administered
August 2015	Gaps and solutions to address deficiencies discussed with cohort laboratories. Topics for training sessions finalized
September- November 2015	Training sessions	Preparation of SOPs
		Using on-line resources including ASM resources
		Principles of AST’s
		Update on McFarland SOPs
	Practical session	Preparation of McFarland Standards
	Training sessions	Quality Control of AST media
		Storage of QC strains
	Workshop	Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) for Antimicrobial Sensitivity Testing
March 2016	Laboratory strengthening workshop	Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Updates
June 2016	Post-workshop audit of cohort laboratories conducted and evaluation tool administered. Gaps noted and laboratory workers counseled accordingly.
October 2016	Follow up of cohort laboratories conducted to evaluate improvements and persisting gaps using evaluation tool. Laboratory workers counseled accordingly.
December 2016	Workshops held in parallel;	Infection control Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Fastidious organisms