Thiraphot Singtohin, Medical Technologist, Office of Disease Prevention and Control, Thailand
Thiraphot Singtohin leads the HIV unit at the Office of Disease Prevention and Control in Khon Kaen, Thailand. His team supports hospitals in four Thai provinces to conduct HIV and TB testing – critical work that involves handling transmissible pathogens and demands adherence to the highest standards of biosafety and biosecurity – to protect laboratory staff and the public from accidental exposure.
To strengthen safety protocols in his lab, Thiraphot recently completed a training on laboratory biosafety, biosecurity and biological waste disposal. The training focused on the correct use of protective equipment, safe waste management and biohazard response.
“We’ve learned how to properly take care of our own safety first, by following the correct procedures,” he says. “And beyond protecting ourselves, we can also help safeguard the environment, other individuals, our families and the community.”
The training was delivered through the Regional Public Health Laboratory Network, which connects laboratory professionals across Asia-Pacific to share knowledge and strengthen regional health security. It is supported by the Global Fund as part of efforts to improve laboratory systems in the region.
Thiraphot plans to pass on what he has learned to junior staff, many of whom have never received formal biosafety training. He hopes this knowledge-sharing will build confidence, improve collaboration and ensure safer working conditions for everyone involved in lifesaving disease detection.